Datasheet

Chapter 1 • The Revit World

FIGURE 1.7 The Options bar replaces the command prompt from AutoCAD.

Microstation users will be more familiar with this method.

3. After you make your choices from the Ribbon and the Options bar,

you can place the object into the view window. This is the large draw-

ing area that takes up two thirds of the Revit interface. To place the

wall, simply pick a point in the window and move your pointer. The

wall starts to form. You can press the Esc key to exit the command.

Using Revit is not generally as easy as this, but keep in mind this basic three-

step process:

1. Start a command.

2. Choose an option from the temporary tab that appears.

3. Place the item in the view window.

Revit appears to offer a fraction of the choices and functionality that AutoCAD or

any drafting program offers. This is true in a way. Revit does offer fewer choices to

start a command, but how many choices does an architect or architectural designer

need? Revit keeps its functionality focused on architecture and construction. Revit

gets its robust performance from the dynamic capabilities of the application during

the placement of the items and the functionality of the objects after you place them

in the model. Never judge a book by its cover — unless, of course, it is the book you

are reading right now.

Let’s keep going with the main focus of the Revit interface: the Ribbon.

You will be using the Ribbon exclusively within Revit.

Using the Ribbon

You will use the Ribbon for the majority of the commands you execute in Revit.

As you can see, you don’t have much choice to do otherwise. However, this is good

because it narrows your attention to what is right in front of you. When you click



You will hear this

throughout the book:

always remember to

look at your options.

With no command

prompt, the Options

bar will be one of

your few guides.

610114c01.indd 6610114c01.indd 6 12/7/10 3:29:37 PM12/7/10 3:29:37 PM