AUTODESK®

REVIT® BUILDING 9 AND 9.1

AUTODESK® AUTOCAD® REVIT® SERIES—BUILDING 9 AND 9.1

Questions and Answers

In Autodesk® Revit® Building software, every drawing
sheet, every 2D and 3D view, and every schedule is a
direct presentation of information from the same
underlying building database.
Autodesk Revit Building 9
and 9.1 include many new
As the user works in familiar drawing and schedule views, and enhanced features to
Revit Building collects information about the building help you work the way you
think, provide higher
project and coordinates this information across all other coordination and quality,
and improve your business
representations of the project. for a competitive
advantage.
Contents
Unless specifically noted as an item for the Autodesk Revit Building 9.1 product,
all of the following questions apply to both version 9 and version 9.1 of the series
and stand-alone products.

1. General Product Information ......................................................................................3

1.1 What is Autodesk Revit?.........................................................................................3
1.2 What is building information modeling? ..................................................................3
1.3 Are there any other industry-specific applications built on the
Autodesk Revit platform?........................................................................................3
1.4 What is Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building software? ...............................3

2. About Autodesk Revit Building ..................................................................................3

2.1 What are the important new features in Autodesk Revit Building 9
and 9.1?..................................................................................................................3
2.2 Autodesk Revit Building handles modeling well, but what about
conventional drafting and detailing? Do I still need AutoCAD for that?...................4
2.3 How does Autodesk Revit Building work with large teams and
projects? .................................................................................................................4
2.4 Can Autodesk Revit Building produce elaborate geometry?...................................4

3. Interoperability .............................................................................................................5
3.1 What standards and file formats does Revit Building support?...............................5
Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

3.2 What if clients or consultants insist on DWG deliverables? ....................................5

3.3 What about object compatibility between Autodesk Revit Building
and Autodesk Architectural Desktop and Autodesk Building
Systems? ................................................................................................................5
3.4 Does Autodesk Revit Building have layers like the products based
on AutoCAD software? How does Revit Building organize data? ...........................5
3.5 What about data compatibility between AutoCAD or Bentley
MicroStation software products and Autodesk Revit Building? ...............................5
3.6 How do I use Autodesk Buzzsaw with Autodesk Revit Building?............................6
3.7 Autodesk Revit Building uses AccuRender raytracing and radiosity
as a rendering solution. Can I use Autodesk Revit Building with
Autodesk VIZ or Autodesk 3ds Max?......................................................................6
3.8 Is there an application programming interface (API) or other third-
party development tools for Autodesk Revit Building? ............................................6

4. Parametric Components..............................................................................................7
4.1 What are families in Autodesk Revit Building, and how many
are there in the library? ...........................................................................................7
4.2 Do I need to know a programming language to create content in
Autodesk Revit Building? ........................................................................................7

5. Parametric Change Engine .........................................................................................7

5.1 What does parametric mean, and how does the parametric change
engine keep everything updated when I make changes? Why is the
concept important? .................................................................................................7
5.2 Do I have to wait for sections and schedules to generate?
What if I want to work in the section? .....................................................................7

6. Licensing Autodesk Revit Building and Autodesk Revit Series—Building ............8

6.1 Can I use the product in trial mode or demonstration mode? .................................8
6.2 Does Autodesk Revit Building use the Network Installation wizard
like AutoCAD 2006 based products for network deployment? ................................8
6.3 Does a stand-alone Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building user
have to put both Autodesk Revit Building and AutoCAD applications
on one machine? ....................................................................................................8
6.4 Can I install my network license of Autodesk AutoCAD Revit
Series—Building with a separate network license of AutoCAD on
one server? What gets checked out when I open my AutoCAD-only
licenses?.................................................................................................................8
6.5 Does the License Borrow feature available for the network version of
AutoCAD software–based products work with Autodesk Revit
Building? .................................................................................................................8

7. Consulting, Training, and Support .............................................................................8

7.1 What consulting services are available for Revit Building? .....................................8
7.2 Where can I find training courses for Autodesk Revit Building?..............................8
7.3 How can I get technical support information? .........................................................9

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Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

1. General Product Information

1.1 What is Autodesk Revit?
Autodesk® Revit® technology is Autodesk’s platform for building information modeling.
Built on the Revit platform, Autodesk® Revit® Building software is a complete, discipline-
specific building design and documentation system supporting all phases of design and
construction documentation. From conceptual studies through the most detailed
construction drawings and schedules, Revit-based applications help provide immediate
competitive advantage, deliver better coordination and quality, and can contribute to
higher profitability for architects and the rest of the building team.
At the heart of the Revit platform is the Revit parametric change engine, which
automatically coordinates changes made anywhere—in model views or drawing sheets,
schedules, sections, plans…you name it.

1.2 What is building information modeling?

Building information modeling (BIM) is the creation and use of coordinated, internally
consistent, computable information about a building project in design and construction.
The ability to keep this information up-to-date and accessible in an integrated digital
environment gives architects, engineers, builders, and owners a clear overall vision of
their projects and contributes to the ability to make better decisions faster—helping raise
the quality and increase the profitability of projects.
For more information about building information modeling and Autodesk’s strategy for the
application of information technology to the building industry, see the white papers and
other information at www.autodesk.com/bim.

1.3 Are there any other industry-specific applications built on the Autodesk Revit
platform?
® ®
Autodesk Revit Structure software is a fully integrated modeling, design, and
documentation system for structural engineers and drafters that takes full advantage of
Revit platform change management technology. Revit Structure offers building information
modeling for structural engineering firms.
Autodesk® Revit® Systems is the building information modeling solution for mechanical,
electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering design and documentation.

1.4 What is Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building software?

® ® ®
Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building is a bundle consisting of Autodesk Revit
®
Building and AutoCAD software with a single serial number and a single authorization
code. This combination enables you to maintain your investment in technology and
training, while offering the competitive advantage of building information modeling, and
providing the flexibility to move to a new technology platform when you’re ready. For more
information about AutoCAD Revit Series—Building, visit
www.autodesk.com/autocadrevitseries-building.

2. About Autodesk Revit Building

2.1 What are the important new features in Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1?
Revit Building helps communicate design proposals more quickly and clearly, offers better Download the complete
design insight through on-demand visualization and analysis, and provides a process that feature list for Autodesk Revit
mirrors the real world of building. Building 9 and 9.1 at
www.autodesk.com/
With its parametric change technology, you can make any change, anytime, anywhere, revitbuilding.
and Revit Building automatically coordinates that change everywhere in your project. Here
are a few of the more important features in Revit Building 9.

Sun Studies: Revit Building sun studies enable designers to quickly analyze sun
positions and solar effects while informing and influencing design strategy. Choose a
specific date and time, or time frame, to generate a still or animated composition.

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Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

Detail Library: Take advantage of the extensive detail library provided with Revit Building.
Presorted to align with the CSI format, libraries can be tailored to accommodate office
standards. Create, manage, and share custom detail libraries with ease.
Material Takeoff: Precisely calculate materials with the new Material Takeoff tool. Ease
the burden of tracking material quantities associated with design efforts. As a project
evolves, the Revit parametric change engine helps to ensure that material quantity
takeoffs are always up-to-date and accurate.

Keynoting: Boost your efficiency by taking advantage of Revit Building keynotes.

Keynoting streamlines the error-prone process of manually annotating construction
documents. Revit Building automates the creation of keynote legends, thereby removing
the obstacle of manually tracking component and material information. Populate modified
keynote definitions throughout the project model with ease.

Revit Building 9.1 delivers the best possible information for decision making by increasing
support for interoperability and enhancing coordination and quality, all while optimizing
workflow across the Autodesk Revit product suite.

• Enhancements to DWF™, DWG™, and gbXML (green building extensible

markup language) export along with support for the PNG image format promote
collaboration across design applications and support information sharing with
analysis partners.

• Updates to door, window, room, and column objects offer increased coordination
and quality to the design and documentation process.

• New options for revision tag, elevation tag, section line, and area reporting
functions support more accurate and up-to-date design documentation.

These and other features take advantage of the continuous and immediate availability of
high-quality, reliable, and coordinated information—efficiencies that users have come to
expect from purpose-built software for building information modeling (BIM).

2.2 Autodesk Revit Building handles modeling well, but what about conventional
drafting and detailing? Do I still need AutoCAD for that?
Designers can work entirely in Autodesk Revit Building to generate construction If you are looking to
documentation. AutoCAD software is not required. migrate to building
information modeling
For more information about producing construction documents in Autodesk Revit Building,
gradually, Autodesk
see the Autodesk white paper on the subject at www.autodesk.com/revitbuilding.
AutoCAD Revit Series—
In addition, a white paper on Autodesk Revit Building interoperability with AutoCAD Building software was
software and other CAD systems is also available at www.autodesk.com/revitbuilding. created for just that
purpose.
2.3 How does Autodesk Revit Building work with large teams and projects?
Autodesk Revit Worksharing distributes the power of the Revit parametric building
modeler across the project team. Worksharing provides a complete range of collaboration
modes, from on-the-fly simultaneous access to the shared model, through the formal
division of the project into discrete shared units, to complete separation of project
elements or systems into individually managed linked models. Worksharing enables team
members to choose the best way to collaborate and interact based on workflow and
project requirements.
A white paper on using worksets, “Multi-User Collaboration with Autodesk Revit
Worksharing,” is available at www.autodesk.com/revitbuilding.

2.4 Can Autodesk Revit Building produce elaborate geometry?

Yes, Revit Building Maker is a flexible and responsive conceptual modeling and design
environment linked to the Revit Building model. Like no other software tool, it allows for a
cumulative understanding of the relationship between expressive and built form as the
design develops. The designer independently develops conceptual models and maps
them to building model components as the design progresses. The designer works fluidly

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Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

between the conceptual model and the building model, capturing both design intent and
detail at the moment of conceptualization.

For more information about

3. Interoperability using Autodesk Revit
Building with conventional
3.1 What standards and file formats does Revit Building support? CAD systems, see the
Revit Building supports a wide range of industry standards and file formats, including “Autodesk Revit
Interoperability with CAD”
• CAD formats: DGN, DWF, DWG, DXF™, IFC, SAT, and SKP white paper at
• Image formats: BMP, JPG, AVI, PAN, IVR, TGA, and TIF www.autodesk.com/
revitbuilding.
• Other formats: ODBC, HTML, TXT, MDB, XLS, and gbXML

Revit Building 9.1 includes support for the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) image
format.

3.2 What if clients or consultants insist on DWG deliverables?

Revit Building can produce DWG deliverables just as AutoCAD can. Revit Building
provides industry-leading DWG compatibility using the RealDWG™ toolkit. And because
these DWG deliverables were created in a modeler, they are well structured and easy to
change.
Revit Building supports the process most architectural firms use with their consultants by
producing well-organized and layered DWG files using any layering standard the user
wants. Revit Building helps to ensure that nothing in an exported DWG file ends up on the
wrong layer, easing consultant interactions and accelerating the design and construction
process.
Revit Building provides features that help integrate your work with that of consultants.
Import or link DWG files directly into Revit Building to use as reference geometry or as the
starting point for a new design, such as a site plan. Any CAD system that supports the
DWG, DGN, or DXF file format can work effectively with Revit Building.

3.3 What about object compatibility between Autodesk Revit Building and
Autodesk Architectural Desktop and Autodesk Building Systems?
Revit Building can read and write ACIS® solids. This capability gives users a way to export
their models from Autodesk® Architectural Desktop and Autodesk® Building Systems
software and import or link 3D information into Revit Building. Use this method to cut
sections and perform visual interference detection.

3.4 Does Autodesk Revit Building have layers like the products based on AutoCAD
software? How does Revit Building organize data?
No, Autodesk Revit Building software does not have layers. Autodesk Revit Building uses Autodesk Revit Building
a system of categories and subcategories to organize information within the building supports the process most
information model. Users can create their own subcategories for organizing data. architectural firms use with
Categories and subcategories can be mapped for export in a way that creates layered their consultants by
DWG, DGN, or DXF files conforming to various CAD standards. producing perfectly layered
DWG or DGN files using any
Four default mappings ship with the product: AIA CAD Standard 2000 (United States),
layering standard the user
BS1192 (United Kingdom), ISO13567 (Europe), and CP83 (Asia). Users can also create wants.
their own project-specific layer mappings. Autodesk is investigating components that can
be added to templates for improved compliance to the NCS version 3.

3.5 What about data compatibility between AutoCAD or Bentley MicroStation

software products and Autodesk Revit Building?
Revit Building provides several important interoperability capabilities for AutoCAD and
Bentley® MicroStation® users. First, Revit Building can import, export, and link DWG and
DGN (V7) format files. Users can draw on imported files to create Revit Building
parametric model geometry. Revit Building can manage imported or linked files so that
detail libraries in either DWG or DGN file format can be placed on sheets and all callouts
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Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

are automatically managed. Further, Revit Building can map a specific DWG layer on
input to a specific DGN level number on output or vice versa in any combination.
Revit Building helps to ensure that nothing in an exported DWG or DGN file ends up on
the wrong layer or level, easing consultant interactions and speeding the design and
construction process.

3.6 How do I use Autodesk Buzzsaw with Autodesk Revit Building?

The Autodesk® Buzzsaw® on-demand collaborative project management solution is
independent of the software used for building design and documentation. Revit Building
enables users to upload projects directly to predefined project locations. It automatically
saves the project to either DWG or DWF file format. Model files (RVT files) can be posted
to Buzzsaw for sharing with the project team just like any other file. A read-only copy of
Autodesk Revit Building enables users to print and export models that have not been
edited, serving as a robust viewer and file translator for team members who receive Revit
Building models but who are not using the software themselves. And because Revit
Building also publishes directly to industry-leading file formats, team members can share
sets of deliverables on Autodesk Buzzsaw in this way as well.

3.7 Autodesk Revit Building uses AccuRender raytracing and radiosity as a

rendering solution. Can I use Autodesk Revit Building with Autodesk VIZ or
Autodesk 3ds Max?
®
Users can transfer geometry from a Revit Building model into the Autodesk VIZ or
® ®
Autodesk 3ds Max application through DWG file export. The Autodesk VIZ 2005
Interoperability for Revit plug-in imports the DWG file exported from Revit 7 or Revit
Building 8 and maintains material assignments. Because this functionality is incorporated
into Autodesk VIZ 2006 and 3ds Max 8, the plug-in is no longer necessary.

3.8 Is there an application programming interface (API) or other third-party

development tools for Autodesk Revit Building?
Yes. Revit Building ships with a general API, in addition to the previously existing ODBC
(Open DataBase Connectivity) export functionality.
Partners who are already developing applications for Revit Building include the following:

Green Building Studio, Inc.

Green Building Studio is a web service that gives 3D CAD users quick, reliable, and free
estimates of a building’s energy costs during the early stages of conceptual design. Find
out more at www.greenbuildingstudio.com.

InterSpec
SM
e-SPECS for Revit automates project specifications by linking the product and material
requirements directly to the Revit Building model. Find out more at www.e-SPECS.com.

Mcs Software (Italy)

ArchVISION® Revit provides a dynamic link between Revit Building and ACCA Primus
3000 r2, a popular Italian cost-estimating software. Find out more at www.mcs-
software.it/pages/Revit.html.

Analist Group (Italy)

ArchiPlan for Revit offers integration between Revit Building and cost estimation product,
Quanto. Find out more at www.inrevit.com.
U.S. Cost
Success Design Exchange uses Success Estimator and Autodesk Revit Building to create
accurate cost estimates. Find out more at www.uscost.com.
Innovaya
Visual Estimator is a BIM-based estimating solution that integrates Autodesk Revit
Building with Sage Timberline Office Estimating. Find out more at www.innovaya.com.

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Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

4. Parametric Components
4.1 What are families in Autodesk Revit Building, and how many are there in the
library?
All elements in Revit Building are based on families. The term family describes a powerful
concept that helps users manage data and make changes easily. It refers to an element’s
ability to have multiple types defined within it, each of a different size and shape. Even
though the types can look completely different, they are all still related and come from a
single source, hence the term family. Changes to a family or type definition ripple through
the project and are automatically reflected in every instance of that family or type in the
project. This capability keeps everything coordinated and saves users the time and effort
of manually tracking down components to update.
The Revit Building library contains thousands of families and includes components in both
Use Parametric Components
imperial and metric units. Revit Building family files are also available from the Revit
to generate the most elaborate
Building web library (accessible from the product) and from other publicly accessible
assemblies—including those
websites. Each family file can produce many components. Because each file typically
with intricate iterative,
includes several sizes or types, the number of parts available is in the tens of thousands.
algorithmic, and behavioral
4.2 Do I need to know a programming language to create content in Autodesk Revit characteristics—as well as the
Building? most elementary building parts.

No, Parametric Components are an open, graphical system for design thinking and form
making, a powerful way of expressing design intent at increasingly detailed levels. No
programming language or coding is required to drive this powerful system. And any and
all relationships can be expressed directly in the system; nothing is assumed other than
that you are thinking about a building design.

5. Parametric Change Engine

5.1 What does parametric mean, and how does the parametric change engine keep
everything updated when I make changes? Why is the concept important?
The term parametric in this context refers to the relationships among and between all
elements of the model that enable the coordination and change management that Revit
Building provides. These relationships are created either automatically by the software or
deliberately by the user as the user works.
A fundamental characteristic of a building information modeling application is the ability to
coordinate changes and maintain consistency at all times. The user does not have to
intervene to update drawings or links.
At the heart of Revit Building is technology that is new to building design and
documentation systems: a parametric change engine. Revit Building is built from the
ground up using this technology. The Revit Building parametric change engine uses the
information captured as the designer works to build a network of relationships between
elements. When the designer changes something, Revit Building immediately applies that
change to any affected elements.
This concept is important because it is this capability that delivers the fundamental
coordination and productivity benefits of Revit Building: Change anything at any time
anywhere in the project and Revit Building coordinates that change through the entire
project. This change management is also one of the fundamental characteristics of a
building information modeling solution.

5.2 Do I have to wait for sections and schedules to generate? The beauty of Autodesk Revit
What if I want to work in the section? Building is that designers work
No. In Revit Building a section view is “live” and presents itself instantly when the user in the view that makes sense for
creates it. Create a section in Revit Building and then move the section line. Watch as the their project. Revit Building was
section immediately updates where it cuts through the building automatically. Designers built to work like an architect
can also work (add or edit components) in the section view without restrictions. thinks.

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Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

Schedules are created using the same principle. They are simply another type of view. So
they are also “live” and update as the designer changes the model. In fact, designers can
change things in the schedule and Revit Building updates the model and drawings.

6. Licensing Autodesk Revit Building and Autodesk Revit

Series—Building
6.1 Can I use the product in trial mode or demonstration mode?
You can use the software in trial mode for a 30-day period without an activation code. You Designers can make changes
can also use the product in demonstration mode, which enables all features except save, in section, elevation, or
plot, and export. schedule and Revit Building
propagates the changes
6.2 Does Autodesk Revit Building use the Network Installation wizard like AutoCAD throughout the model.
2006–based products for network deployment?
No, Revit Building 9 and 9.1 use their own network installation technology and process.
The Network Installation wizard is designed to work only with AutoCAD software–based
products.

6.3 Does a stand-alone Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building user have to put
both Autodesk Revit Building and AutoCAD applications on one machine?
Yes, a stand-alone user of AutoCAD Revit Series—Building must use both applications on
one machine and cannot split up the bundle.

6.4 Can I install my network license of Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building

with a separate network license of AutoCAD on one server? What gets checked
out when I open my AutoCAD-only licenses?
Yes, if you have both AutoCAD Revit Series—Building and AutoCAD on the same
network, the server identifies whether it is AutoCAD from AutoCAD Revit Series—Building
or a stand-alone AutoCAD license and check out the appropriate license from the server.

6.5 Does the License Borrow feature available for the network version of AutoCAD
software–based products work with Autodesk Revit Building?
Yes, one of the biggest benefits to network users of Revit Building is the ability to use the
License Borrow feature for laptop users. This feature replaces the concept of external
floating licenses in earlier versions of the software.

7. Consulting, Training, and Support

7.1 What consulting services are available for Revit Building?
Check with your local Autodesk Premier Solutions Provider or Autodesk Authorized
Reseller for consulting services they offer.
Autodesk Consulting also provides consulting offerings for project assessments, process
audits, and a range of Revit Building implementation services. Custom consulting
offerings are also available to meet your specific project needs. For more information on
Autodesk Consulting, contact your local Autodesk Authorized Reseller or Autodesk
Account Executive, or visit www.autodesk.com/consulting.

7.2 Where can I find training courses for Autodesk Revit Building?
Training courses are available from Autodesk Authorized Resellers, Autodesk Consulting,
® ®
and Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC ) sites. Check with your local Autodesk
Authorized Reseller for a schedule of training classes.
You can enroll in instructor-led training at ATC locations around the world. These training
centers use Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) to deliver comprehensive
courses for new and intermediate Revit Building users. To learn more, visit
www.autodesk.com/atc.

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Autodesk Revit Building 9 and 9.1 Questions and Answers

Training courses through Autodesk Consulting include Autodesk Classroom Training

(onsite or at Autodesk), Revit Building Distance Learning Seminars (online or instructor-
led), or custom training to match your specific needs. For more information, or to register
for a course, go to www.autodesk.com/revit-training. For more information about
Autodesk’s training services for Revit Building, call 781-839-5858 or send an email to
[email protected].

7.3 How can I get technical support information?

Technical support information is available from several sources. First, Autodesk
Authorized Resellers offer technical support information to their customers. Second, you
can locate the answers to frequently asked technical questions in the support knowledge
base on www.autodesk.com/revit-support. Third, you can ask questions and read
information about the use of Autodesk products in the peer-to-peer discussion groups on
www.autodesk.com/discussion. Autodesk hosts topical discussion groups about specific
products, including Revit Building.
®
Autodesk Subscription customers receive personalized web support from Autodesk
technical experts. For complete information, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription or
contact your Autodesk Authorized Reseller.
Information on other support options can be found at www.autodesk.com/support. Contact
your Autodesk Account Executive or Autodesk Authorized Reseller for more details.
Autodesk Authorized Resellers also provide telephone support services for Revit Building,
and all other Autodesk products. In the United States and Canada, call 800-964-6432 to
locate a reseller near you, or visit www.autodesk.com/reseller.
Find a complete list of support options on the Autodesk website at
www.autodesk.com/revit-support.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, ATC, Buzzsaw, DWF, DWG, DXF, RealDWG, Revit, and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for
typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

Occasionally, Autodesk makes statements regarding planned or future development efforts for our existing or new products and
services. These statements are not intended to be a promise or guarantee of future delivery of products, services, or features but merely
reflect our current plans, which may change. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect
any change in circumstances, after the statements are made.

© 2006 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.