Introduction
Revit is a powerful BIM tool, but navigating its vast array of tools and menus can be time-consuming without shortcuts. Learning Revit shortcuts can significantly improve your efficiency, helping you focus on design rather than searching for commands. This guide provides a comprehensive list of essential Revit shortcuts for design, navigation, and documentation to enhance your workflow.
Table of Contents
Why Use Revit Shortcuts?
Shortcuts in Revit allow you to:
- Access tools quickly without navigating menus.
- Save time during repetitive tasks like drawing walls or placing components.
- Reduce mouse movement, minimizing fatigue and improving accuracy.
Pro Tip: You can customize shortcuts in Revit by going to File > Options > Keyboard Shortcuts and assigning commands that suit your workflow.
Essential Revit Shortcuts
General Shortcuts
| Command | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Undo | CTRL + Z | Reverses the last action. |
| Redo | CTRL + Y | Reinstates the last undone action. |
| Save | CTRL + S | Saves the current project. |
| Open | CTRL + O | Opens an existing project. |
CTRL + P | Prints the active sheet or view. | |
| Close | CTRL + W | Closes the current project. |
Design and Modeling Shortcuts
| Tool/Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | WA | Activates the Wall tool. |
| Door | DR | Places a door in the model. |
| Window | WN | Places a window in the model. |
| Floor | FL | Activates the Floor tool. |
| Ceiling | CL | Activates the Ceiling tool. |
| Roof | RO | Activates the Roof tool. |
| Component | CM | Places a model component. |
| Stair | ST | Creates stairs. |
| Railing | RA | Adds a railing to a staircase. |
| Column | CLM | Places a structural column. |
| Beam | BM | Places a structural beam. |
Annotation and Detailing Shortcuts
| Command | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | DI | Adds a dimension to the model. |
| Text | TX | Places text annotations. |
| Tag | TG | Tags elements like doors or windows. |
| Detail Line | DL | Draws a line for detailing purposes. |
| Filled Region | FR | Creates a filled region for areas. |
| Spot Elevation | SE | Adds a spot elevation to the model. |
| Spot Slope | SS | Places a slope annotation. |
Navigation and View Shortcuts
| Command | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3D View | F3 | Activates the default 3D view. |
| Zoom In | CTRL + + | Zooms into the view. |
| Zoom Out | CTRL + - | Zooms out of the view. |
| Pan | Middle Mouse Button | Moves the view horizontally or vertically. |
| Orbit | SHIFT + Middle Mouse Button | Rotates the view in 3D space. |
| Align View | AL | Aligns a section or elevation view. |
| Reset View | ZR | Zooms to the selected region. |
| Hide Element | HH | Temporarily hides the selected element. |
| Unhide Element | UH | Unhides the previously hidden element. |
Editing and Selection Shortcuts
| Command | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | CO | Copies selected elements. |
| Move | MV | Moves selected elements. |
| Rotate | RO | Rotates selected elements. |
| Align | AL | Aligns selected elements. |
| Mirror (Pick Axis) | MM | Mirrors elements using a specified axis. |
| Array | AR | Creates an array of selected elements. |
| Trim/Extend | TR | Trims or extends elements to meet edges. |
| Split | SL | Splits an element into segments. |
Tips for Mastering Revit Shortcuts
- Start Small: Focus on learning a few essential shortcuts, such as WA (Wall) and MV (Move), before tackling more advanced commands.
- Customize Shortcuts: Tailor shortcuts to match your workflow by accessing File > Options > Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Use Shortcut Guides: Print or bookmark a list of shortcuts for quick reference.
- Practice Regularly: Integrate shortcuts into your daily tasks to build muscle memory.
- Leverage Resources: Explore Autodesk’s official guides or user forums for additional tips.
Why Shortcuts Are Essential in Revit
Using shortcuts not only speeds up your workflow but also reduces reliance on menus and toolbars, allowing you to focus more on design. By mastering Revit shortcuts, you’ll:
- Improve your productivity.
- Minimize repetitive tasks.
- Enhance your navigation and editing precision.
FAQs
- How can I customize Revit shortcuts?
Go to File > Options > Keyboard Shortcuts to modify existing shortcuts or create new ones. - What are the most important shortcuts for beginners?
Beginners should focus on shortcuts like WA (Wall), DR (Door), MV (Move), and TR (Trim/Extend). - Can I reset Revit shortcuts to default?
Yes, you can reset shortcuts to default in the Keyboard Shortcuts menu by clicking Reset. - Do Revit shortcuts work in all views?
Most shortcuts work across different views, but some, like Orbit, are specific to 3D views. - Are Revit shortcuts the same in all versions?
While most shortcuts remain consistent, some may vary slightly between Revit versions.