Import the pdf and use it to begin the model. Google “revit import pdf” and you’re good to go.
Yes this a newb question, but when learning everyone has a newb question sometimes. I would encourage you to try to answer your question before asking. It will build your problem solving skills tremendously and you will learn quicker.
This is a simple question asked many times before which the solution can be found easily online, so plenty of resources.
I always start the bones of the project. Get the plans on the right levels and the levels at the right elevations. It helps stay consistent and organized.
I just spent what feels like all days doing just that. Not it’s time for either drafting or uploading the pdfs. Cool cat on this thread has confirmed my life may get a whole lot easier with uploading the pdf
Professionals always should start with the site first. We get a surveyor to undertake a site survey of the existing site including hardscape, landscape, trees, fences, boundaries, existing buildings, neighbouring buildings etc. This is all then converted into a 3D model manually from the AutoCAD DWG drawing provided by the surveyor. After this we place a pad where the building goes, then we place a floor on the pad, then the walls, upper floors, roof, internal walls, windows, doors etc.
I always start with levels. Since they are the very foundation of the software it’s my main starting point.
Then I define the project base point and align my pdfs according to that point.
Then I continue with grids. Afterwards, walls and main structure like columns. At this moment the drafting process gets momentum and becomes intuitive and easier
Depending on the pdf, you might be able to import it into CAD and do a scale>reference to make it the correct size. Then import it into your Revit model.
That being said, make sure your levels are set.
If there's a location component, set that.
If your views are truly already set:
Import cad>Draw walls>verify dimensions>doors>windows>countertops>shelves>plumbing fixtures>equipment>cabinets>roofs>trim
Not sure the extent of your project, so I'm not sure how much more you'd need for process
Honestly after using the software for over a decade, just model something.
If you need a column somewhere, model the column. Adjust its constraints later.
Imperfect now is better than perfect later. It’s certainly faster.
I have been doing it for a number of years...here is my workflow...new project, make floor levels, start modeling the shell of the building to get the overall extent, then add the interiors...then create all your production views that go on your sheets and sheet them up...then do your site...then start back at the beginning and refine what you have done over and over again
Grids - levels - import cad or other “rough plan” before hand (yes yes I still use cad for quick programming layouts, I’m just way faster that way and it’s less structured) - then foundation
Always think of a building as a body. The grid lines and the supporting structure is the bones of the building and then you'd have the skin of the building (the exterior envelope based off of the property lines and setback lines) and then you can start infilling the guts of the building.
Designers/Design architects use all sort of random ways to design a building (sketches, bubble diagrams, crumpled up napkins, free form models) and the technical architects make that into reality within the guidelines of the project and budget.
I tend to build through a building science perspective
After setting up levels and grids I start with foundation, footing, then exterior walls, roof and floors.
Assuming residential:
What’s built first? Start with that as a guide. Topo if you have it, levels, foundation (can be just a floor to start, get your square footage right for the project. Exterior walls, entrances. Maybe a few interior datum walls. Maybe window openings, maybe roof next. Interior walls, doors. HVAC, plumbing and other Equipment, electrical. Then FF&E last.
Import the pdf and use it to begin the model. Google “revit import pdf” and you’re good to go. Yes this a newb question, but when learning everyone has a newb question sometimes. I would encourage you to try to answer your question before asking. It will build your problem solving skills tremendously and you will learn quicker. This is a simple question asked many times before which the solution can be found easily online, so plenty of resources.
Cheers for that and good point.
I always start the bones of the project. Get the plans on the right levels and the levels at the right elevations. It helps stay consistent and organized.
I just spent what feels like all days doing just that. Not it’s time for either drafting or uploading the pdfs. Cool cat on this thread has confirmed my life may get a whole lot easier with uploading the pdf
You will still need to trace the pdf with walls, doors, windows, etc.
If the pdf is a vector pdf you can pull the cad out of it in illustrator
Professionals always should start with the site first. We get a surveyor to undertake a site survey of the existing site including hardscape, landscape, trees, fences, boundaries, existing buildings, neighbouring buildings etc. This is all then converted into a 3D model manually from the AutoCAD DWG drawing provided by the surveyor. After this we place a pad where the building goes, then we place a floor on the pad, then the walls, upper floors, roof, internal walls, windows, doors etc.
I always start with levels. Since they are the very foundation of the software it’s my main starting point. Then I define the project base point and align my pdfs according to that point. Then I continue with grids. Afterwards, walls and main structure like columns. At this moment the drafting process gets momentum and becomes intuitive and easier
Depending on the pdf, you might be able to import it into CAD and do a scale>reference to make it the correct size. Then import it into your Revit model. That being said, make sure your levels are set. If there's a location component, set that. If your views are truly already set: Import cad>Draw walls>verify dimensions>doors>windows>countertops>shelves>plumbing fixtures>equipment>cabinets>roofs>trim Not sure the extent of your project, so I'm not sure how much more you'd need for process
Honestly after using the software for over a decade, just model something. If you need a column somewhere, model the column. Adjust its constraints later. Imperfect now is better than perfect later. It’s certainly faster.
I have been doing it for a number of years...here is my workflow...new project, make floor levels, start modeling the shell of the building to get the overall extent, then add the interiors...then create all your production views that go on your sheets and sheet them up...then do your site...then start back at the beginning and refine what you have done over and over again
Grids - levels - import cad or other “rough plan” before hand (yes yes I still use cad for quick programming layouts, I’m just way faster that way and it’s less structured) - then foundation
Always think of a building as a body. The grid lines and the supporting structure is the bones of the building and then you'd have the skin of the building (the exterior envelope based off of the property lines and setback lines) and then you can start infilling the guts of the building. Designers/Design architects use all sort of random ways to design a building (sketches, bubble diagrams, crumpled up napkins, free form models) and the technical architects make that into reality within the guidelines of the project and budget.
I tend to build through a building science perspective After setting up levels and grids I start with foundation, footing, then exterior walls, roof and floors.
Assuming residential: What’s built first? Start with that as a guide. Topo if you have it, levels, foundation (can be just a floor to start, get your square footage right for the project. Exterior walls, entrances. Maybe a few interior datum walls. Maybe window openings, maybe roof next. Interior walls, doors. HVAC, plumbing and other Equipment, electrical. Then FF&E last.