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Lesson: Exploring the User Interface

This lesson describes how to use the different parts of the Autodesk® Revit® Architecture userinterface. You begin the lesson by learning about the main user interface. Then, you learn about theribbon tabs and some recommended practices for using the user interface. The lesson concludes withan exercise on exploring the user interface. Revit Architecture provides a friendly user interface where tools and options are available on theribbon. In addition, context menus provide quick access to commonly used tools. The status barprovides information and tips that assist you while you work. Familiarity with the user interface helpsyou work with the software more efficiently.

Revit Architecture user interface with a project file open

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

■ Identify the different parts of the Revit Architecture user interface.■ Describe the Revit Architecture ribbon framework.■ State the recommended practices for using the user interface.■ Explore the Revit Architecture user interface.

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The Revit Architecture User Interface

Revit Architecture is a powerful application that uses the building information modeling methodologyand runs on the Microsoft Windows operating system. Like most Windows applications, the userinterface of Revit Architecture features a ribbon with tabs and panels, toolbars, and dialog boxes thatyou can use to perform various tasks. You use the mouse to select buttons from the panels or toolbarsto perform operations.

Recent Files Window

Every time you launch Revit Architecture, a startup window named Recent Files is displayed. Thiswindow provides links to recently opened project or family files.

Recent Files window

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Identifying the Primary User Interface Elements

The following illustration shows the ribbon in Revit® with different tabs, panels, and buttons.

Application Button Opens the application menu that provides access to common tools, such asSave, Print, and Publish.

Tab Contains tools, settings, and standard functions. Only one tab can be activeat a time and the active tab is on top.

Panel Groups buttons for similar functions and tools.

Expanded Panel Expands a panel to display available actions and is indicated by an arrownext to the panel name. You can temporarily pin an open expanded panel.

Dialog Launcher Opens a dialog box.

Button Starts a tool or operation.

Split Button Opens a drop-down with actions for the particular tool.

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The following illustration shows the Project Browser, status bar, View Control Bar, and other elementsof the Revit Architecture user interface.

Project Browser Displays a tree view of a logical hierarchy for all views, schedules, sheets, andfamilies in the current project.

Status Bar Displays the name of the family and element type when you position thecursor over an object. Displays tips or hints when you use a comment.

View Control Bar Provides shortcuts to commonly used view commands, such as View Scaleand Model Graphics Style.

View Window Displays the view that you have selected in the Project Browser. Views can betiled or maximized to fill the entire view window.

Navigation Bar Displays Zoom controls and opens the Steering Wheels.

View Cube Works as an orientation control for 3D views.

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Application Menu

The application menu provides access to many common file actions. You can also access advancedoptions, such as Export and Publish, to manage files.

Application menu

Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar displays the commonly-used actions, such as undo and redo changes, whichyou can use on files. You can customize the default Quick Access toolbar by adding tools from theribbon.

Quick Access toolbar

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InfoCenter Toolbar

You use the InfoCenter toolbar to search for information through keywords and access subscriptionservices and product-related updates. You can also access topics in Help.

InfoCenter toolbar

Context Menus

Context menus are displayed when you right-click an object or an area of the user interface. They listcommon options, such as Zoom, and other options related to the current task. For example, if youplace a door in a drawing, select it, and then right-click it, the context menu displays options such asFlip Hand or Flip Facing.

The Ribbon Framework

The ribbon is displayed at the top of the application window. You use the ribbon to access tools andoptions that help you design a building project.

You can customize the ribbon by changing its view state and by rearranging the panels that contain thetools. You can toggle between the ribbon view states by using the control to the right of the Managetab. The following illustrations show the various ribbon view states.

Full ribbon

Ribbon minimized to tab and panel labels

Ribbon minimized to tab labels

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Ribbon Tabs

The ribbon displays eight tabs and all tools in Revit are available on these tabs. You make a tab activeby clicking its name. Each tab consists of panels of grouped tools. The following illustration shows the various ribbon tabs.

The following table lists the tools and options that you can access on the eight ribbon tabs in RevitArchitecture.

Tab

Tools and Options

Home Includes commonly used tools for placing building elements such as wall,door, window, stair, ramp, beam, and brace. This tab also includes toolsgrouped by Room and Area, Datum, Work Plane, and Model.

Insert Includes tools for linking and importing files, loading family files, andseeking content online.

Annotate Includes tools for placing dimensions, detailing, drafting, text, tags, andkeynotes.

Modify Includes tools for editing objects, geometry, linework, and faces. This tabalso includes copy and paste tools using the clipboard, inquiry tools, andphasing tools.

Massing & Site Includes tools for creating conceptual massing studies and creating andmodifying landforms.

Collaborate Includes tools for collaboration with internal and external team members.This tab also includes tools for workset creation, workset management,and coordination.

View Includes tools for controlling graphic appearance of objects, creatingviews, and adding sheets. This tab also includes options for togglingbetween views and displaying user interface toolbars.

Manage Includes tools grouped by Project Settings, Project Location, and Macros.This tab also includes options for managing projects and design.

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Contextual Tabs

When you start a tool or select elements, a contextual tab opens on the ribbon displaying a set of toolsthat relate only to the context of that tool or element.

The Type Selector drop-down and the Element Properties drop-down are available on the contextualtabs. Additional tools are also displayed on the contextual tab for working with the element that youare placing or modifying. The Options Bar appears under the contextual tab. The following illustration shows the Place Wall contextual tab that opens when you activate the Walltool.

Element Propertiesdrop-down

Provides the options to open either the Instance Properties or the TypeProperties dialog box. Using these dialog boxes, you can change theproperties of either an individual instance of a family type or all the instancesof a family type.

Type Selector drop-down

Allows you to change from one type of element to another. The contents ofthe drop-down change depending on the current tool or selected elements.

Options Bar Displays options for configuring elements you create or modify. The optionschange depending on the current tool or selected elements.

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Guidelines for Using the User Interface

User interface elements such as the ribbon, Options Bar, and Project Browser help you to workefficiently. The following guidelines help you to work with the user interface.

Guidelines■ Use the cursor tooltip to view keyboard shortcut commands for tools. The cursor tooltip displays

when you hold it over a button on the ribbon. Instead of a command line in Revit, you can enterkeyboard shortcut commands to access tools. For example, enter VG to open the Visibility/Graphics dialog box.

■ Control tooltip appearance by using the Options dialog box. This helps you view the appropriateinformation for your experience level.

■ While working with a tool, when no other action is active, the Modify action is active by default.To end a tool or operation quickly, press ESC twice to revert to the Modify status.

■ Use the Options Bar to select command-specific tools such as setting wall height while you areplacing walls. This is quicker than selecting and changing walls later.

■ Use the Project Browser to create, delete, change, or switch between views. This helps you quicklymanage the views in a project.

■ Read the hints and tips displayed on the status bar while working. These provide valuableinformation about using the tools.

■ Hide the Project Browser while working on big drawings so as to expand the view window anddisplay a larger part of the drawing. You can also toggle the ribbon display to enlarge your view onsmall screens.