Introduction to Revit Templates – Importance and Workflow Optimization

Introduction

Revit templates are foundational tools for any Building Information Modeling (BIM) project. They serve as pre-configured starting points for projects, embedding essential settings, standards, and content to streamline workflows and ensure consistency. Whether you’re designing a residential building or a commercial structure, using a Revit template saves time, reduces errors, and standardizes project deliverables. This article explores Revit templates, their significance, and how they simplify architectural and engineering workflows.

What is a Revit Template?

A Revit template is a file containing pre-configured settings, views, families, and standards that act as a framework for new projects. Templates are saved with the .RTE file format and provide a starting point that can be customized to suit specific project requirements or organizational standards.

Key Features of Revit Templates:

• Preloaded families, annotations, and title blocks.
• View templates for consistent appearance across drawings.
• Pre-configured settings for project units, levels, grids, and phases.
• Standardized sheets and schedules for streamlined documentation.

Types of Revit Templates:

1. Architectural Template: Focused on building design and visualization.
2. Structural Template: Tailored for structural modeling and analysis.
3. MEP Template: Designed for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Pro Tip: Customize templates for your firm’s specific needs to improve project efficiency.

Why Are Revit Templates Important?

1. Standardization

Templates ensure consistency across all projects by embedding company-specific standards, including:

• Line weights and styles.
• Annotation families (e.g., dimensions, text styles).
• Title blocks and sheet layouts.

Example: A custom architectural template ensures all drawings use the same font, line styles, and annotation sizes, reinforcing brand identity and professionalism.

2. Time Savings

Starting with a template eliminates repetitive setup tasks.

• No need to manually configure views, levels, or grids for each new project.
• Preloaded families save time during the modeling phase.

Pro Tip: Include frequently used door, window, and furniture families in your template to avoid repetitive importing.

3. Error Reduction

Templates minimize errors by embedding predefined parameters and settings, such as:

• Accurate units and dimension styles.
• Proper phasing for renovation or multi-stage projects.
• Default schedules for quality control.

Example: A structural template can include pre-configured column schedules to verify the placement and size of structural elements.

4. Collaboration Efficiency

Using templates ensures all team members work within the same framework, enhancing collaboration.

• Linked models (architectural, structural, MEP) align seamlessly when templates share common coordinate systems.
• Shared parameters ensure consistency across schedules and tags.

Components of a Revit Template

1. Pre-Configured Views

Templates include default views such as:

• Floor plans.
• Elevations.
• 3D views.
• Sections and callouts.

Pro Tip: Use View Templates to define consistent settings for visibility, detail levels, and line styles across similar views.

2. Levels and Grids

Templates often contain predefined levels and grids to simplify project setup.

Example: A commercial building template might include levels for the ground floor, mezzanine, and roof.

3. Families

Templates come with preloaded families, such as:

• Doors, windows, and walls.
• Furniture and fixtures.
• Annotation families like section markers, tags, and dimensions.

Pro Tip: Regularly update your template with the latest manufacturer families to keep projects up to date.

4. Schedules and Sheets

Templates include pre-designed schedules and sheets to automate documentation.

Examples:

• Room schedules with area and volume calculations.
• Door and window schedules with material specifications.
• Title blocks with placeholders for project data.

5. Materials and Textures

Templates often contain a library of materials with pre-applied textures for rendering.

Example: An interior design template may include custom materials like wood flooring, wall paint, and fabric textures.

How to Create and Customize a Revit Template

1. Start with an Existing Template

1. Open Revit and choose a default template (e.g., Architectural, Structural, or MEP).
2. Save it as a new .RTE file.

2. Customize Settings

1. Project Units: Go to Manage Tab > Project Units and configure units (e.g., meters, millimeters, or feet).
2. Line Styles and Weights: Define line styles, patterns, and weights under Manage Tab > Additional Settings.
3. View Templates: Create view templates for plans, sections, and elevations.

3. Preload Families and Content

1. Import commonly used families like doors, windows, furniture, or structural components.
2. Add annotation families, such as tags, dimensions, and section markers.

4. Create Placeholder Sheets

1. Design standard title blocks with placeholders for project details.
2. Add sheets for typical drawing sets (e.g., floor plans, sections, elevations).

5. Save and Share

1. Save the customized file as a .RTE template.
2. Share it with your team or save it in a central location for consistent use.

Pro Tip: Periodically update the template to reflect changes in industry standards or project requirements.

Best Practices for Using Revit Templates

1. Keep Templates Clean: Avoid cluttering templates with unnecessary families or settings to maintain performance.
2. Use Worksets for Team Projects: Predefine worksets in the template to streamline collaboration.
3. Test Before Deployment: Pilot the template on small projects to identify issues before rolling it out company-wide.
4. Organize Content: Group families and schedules logically to make the template intuitive for all users.
5. Train Team Members: Ensure everyone understands how to use and maintain the template effectively.

Benefits of Revit Templates

1. Consistency: Maintains uniformity in deliverables across projects.
2. Efficiency: Saves time by automating repetitive tasks and reducing setup time.
3. Collaboration: Aligns standards across teams for smoother integration of linked models.
4. Customization: Tailored templates meet specific project or firm requirements.
5. Quality Control: Predefined schedules and settings reduce errors in documentation.

Common Challenges with Revit Templates

1. Overloaded Templates:
   • Solution: Regularly audit templates to remove unused families and settings.
2. Difficulty in Updating:
   • Solution: Create a versioning system and log updates to track changes.
3. Inconsistent Use:
   • Solution: Provide training and guidelines to ensure uniform usage across teams.

FAQs

1. What is a Revit template?
   A Revit template is a pre-configured file containing settings, families, and standards used as a starting point for new projects.
2. Can I customize Revit templates?
   Yes, you can customize templates by adding families, schedules, and view templates to match your specific project or company standards.
3. What types of templates does Revit offer?
   Revit includes Architectural, Structural, and MEP templates, which can be further customized.
4. How do Revit templates save time?
   Templates automate repetitive tasks, such as setting up views, importing families, and configuring project settings, reducing project startup time.
5. Can I share templates with my team?
   Yes, you can save templates in a shared folder or on BIM 360 for team-wide access.