What are the various keyboard shortcuts in Revit and how useful are they?

Autodesk Revit is an essential tool for architects, engineer, designers and contractors. Its use as a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is crucial for those involved in Virtual design and construction. However, a tool is only as good as its user and the full power of Revit can only be unleashed with a better understanding of its several functions which can be done through online revit training.

Picking up and starting Revit is quite simple enough and maintaining functionality is possible when you know its shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts don’t make use of the Enter key and they appear in the tooltips when the mouse is hovered over a function. Using keyboard shortcuts is an intuitive approach to Revit use and understanding the fundamentals would jumpstart your projects.

Shortcuts related to Element Selection

Initially, you will need to know element selection shortcuts. Shortcuts will lessen time selecting several areas, saving time during long and complex projects. Following are the element selections:

·         Shift + an arrow key will nudge a selected element 10 times

·         Arrow keys, alone, will nudge a selected element once

·         CTRL will select multiple elements

·         TAB will cycle through overlapping elements

·         Shift + TAB will reverse the TAB cycle’s order

Shortcuts related to Element Creation

Creating and placing elements takes more time, however, harnessing Revit shortcut tools will lessen overall effort when creating multiple detail lines, doors and properties. CAD Forum hosts outstanding element creation topics, creating an environment Revit users can discuss creation tactics in. Your element creation shortcuts are vital for multi layered projects and they are as following:

·         M + Spacebar will match element properties

·         C + S will create a new, similar element when one is previously selected

·         D + L will generate detail lines

·         D + R will generate a door

·         M + V will move

·         U + P will unpin an element

·         R + M will generate a room

·         R + T will create and insert a room tag

·         S + L will split selected elements

Look for Shortcuts

Navigating through several elements in a view can be difficult; however, several shortcut key combinations will speed up the process.

·         H + H will hide a selected element

·         H + I will isolate a selected element

·         H + C will hide categories

·         T + L will switch to thin lines

·         S + D will switch to shaded with edges

·         W + F will change an element to wireframe mode

·         V + V will generate graphics dialog for a current view

·         Z + E will zoom the project to fit

Creating Personalised Shortcuts

Every project’s requirements are different; however, Revit’s remarkable flexibility can create a highly personalised space. By creating ‘quick actions’, you can program your own Revit shortcuts for the processes your project demands the most. Custom Revit commands are quite helpful resources and their overall utility enhances project creation speed while creating a truly comfortable environment. A single command might be tailored to execute multiple shortcuts, also single shortcuts might be accessed through multiple commands.

Grey Edge’s Authorised Training and Recruitment Centre offer state of art online CAD training to those who have a tight schedule and cannot attend classroom trainings. The Centre, best known for providing outstanding online Revit training is equipped with exceptional facilities, outstanding Autodesk certified faculties and learning environment for its students. Do visit www.grey-edge.com to know more.

What is the role of a BIM Expert within a Building pre construction design Company?

Several companies in the AEC sector have now started adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM). They are also trying to hire professionals’ proficient with BIM who are able to perform the new tasks this technology has introduced. The first step for companies to acquire those specialists is to write their job descriptions, listing their particular tasks. Higher education institutions offering AutoCAD courses in Mumbai would be interested in this same information, as they require adaptation of their curricula to meet this demand, as soon as possible. 

Some studies have found that the companies using BIM technologies are finding difficulties, such as, the lack of communication between those involved in the design and construction. The companies need to recognize the requirement for a new professional in the application of BIM technology, standards and modelling, that’s also responsible for the special coordination in BIM projects. Thus, there needs to be a special role in the project team, i.e. of the BIM Manager. In design firms, the BIM Manager can be a chief BIM Officer or a Project Model Manager who is also known as Modelling Manager.

Role & Responsibility of BIM Expert

Several AEC companies have different BIM experts or specialists, each designated with a particular set of responsibilities which are given below. In practice, a professional might execute the tasks of one or more of the specialists depending on the project and the company size he/she is working for.

BIM Modeller: The primary role of a BIM Modeller is to create, develop and extract 2D documentation from BIM models. The BIM Modeller might occupy the position of the Draftsperson, but not always does a CAD specialist undergoing an online CAD training course become the reverse, because the more experienced CAD users are the more resistant to change. The BIM Modeller can have the following additional denominations, depending on his/her emphasis. 3D Modeller, Sequencing Modeller, Cost Modeller and Detailing Modeller. The 3D Modeller for instance creates the geometry in BIM models working in teams for developing varied parts of the model.

BIM Analyst: BIM Analyst’s role is to execute analysis and simulations based on the BIM model, for instance, building performance analysis, circulation and security analysis. This expert can work in design firms, primarily MEP, and also as a Design Consultant.

BIM Manager: The BIM Manager works within the company and is accountable for coordinating the team and the production & use of the model. He/she might also serve various additional functions such as setting up design templates, coordinating the integration of entity models, coordinating the access to the model, etc.

Emphasizing on the roles of BIM specialists, above are some of the positions and roles a BIM expert can perform in an AEC company. BIM consultants and BIM Managers have a vital role in an organisation and are mainly accountable for the implementation or BIM execution plan.

Benefits & Scope of BIM internship in construction industry

AutoCAD is a software application developed and sold by Autodesk, which is primarily used for Computer Aided Drawing and drafting. This software supports both 2D as well as 3D formats. This software was initially developed in 1982, and today it’s widely accepted and used worldwide. In fact, its popularity has soared up so much that it’s now available in 18 languages across the world thus catering to millions of users. As computers took over corporate offices, AutoCAD has replaced hand drafting. According to a survey, AutoCAD is found in nearly 85% of the businesses and schools that design, document and manufacture.

Undergoing AutoCAD training is the ideal way to gain the skills required to create and edit an array of drafting and modelling concepts for engineering, architecture, design and more. AutoCAD is a relatively simple to use software but is hard to master. Thus, this tutorial is suggested for architects, Electrical, Mechanical & Civil Engineers, Interior Designers, etc. Also, businesses investing in AutoCAD training get rewarded not only by increased productivity but in several cases by more innovating designs as the CAD user gets acquainted with the software and starts using it as a necessary tool as opposed to wasting months trying to learn the software in a busy work environment. This is the reason users who have frequently not undertaken structured AutoCAD courses in Mumbai take somewhat longer to become productive and effective users of this software.

AutoCAD is primarily required to produce designs effectively and anyone who needs accurate plans and sections of a design for their profession make use of this software. With the ideal AutoCAD training in Mumbai, even an outsider can gain quite a few benefits that can help him/her establish a good career in this industry.

Advantages of AutoCAD Training

Pace: After undergoing this training, individuals realise the pace at which this software creates designs as compared to hand drafting. Drafting pace reduces as items such as common building components that appear many times can be inserted, moved as well as copied easily, thus saving the time on re-drawing them over and over.

Teamwork: AutoCAD is quite popular among architects as well as civil engineers and builders, electrical engineers, etc. Thus the same design plan can be used to include not only the architectural design but also the electrical system, plumbing system, ventilation system and air conditioning systems. This brings in the synthesis among various groups working together thus reducing the chances of error on the part of any individual team or team member.

Job Expertise: While looking for a job, you can use AutoCAD training as an advantage. You can develop your own CAD portfolio, which can be shared with your potential employer. These designs will reflect your technical capabilities and can impress employers.

Challenges of BIM Manager

Build information modelling (BIM) is evolving at a rapid pace as more and more companies begin to adopt and utilise BIM for their projects. From the conceptual stage, through to design, implementation and the entire project lifecycle, BIM facilitates better decision making. The new BIM concept guarantees faster project building, improved communication and better problem solving, all whilst being more cost effective than the earlier versions.

When BIM was introduced in the architectural world, it was challenging for the companies to incorporate BIM due to unskilled professionals, who had little or no experience to work on BIM. As it gained popularity and with increasing number of companies realising its worth, the demand for having a BIM manager superseded all other requirements. Prime prospect of a BIM manager is understanding how and when to apply different BIM workflows in projects.

Few years back the construction industry witnessed an evolution of CAD Managers becoming BIM Managers, a transition which was necessary for advancement of BIM processes. The fundamental role of a BIM Manager remained similar to that of a CAD Manager – ensuring timely delivery of the projects without exceeding the budget constraints. But it was the core responsibilities that were more importantly redefined which included maintaining coordination of modelling work, maintaining the integrity within the project and reporting and managing the BIM process. However, a BIM Manager’s role was not limited to such tasks; it had to cover larger avenues than just managing the BIM related tools and software. The role demanded them to be more versatile and quick thinkers so as to adapt to the ever changing work environment. They had to ensure seamless coordination with the companies who do not utilise BIM at the same time maintain integrity of the models used in the project.

What helped BIM Managers to flourish was the acceptance of BIM as an industry standard over the world with governments beginning to mandate BIM in their projects resulting in BIM becoming a pre-requisite for major tenders. Industry professionals soon realised the ability of BIM was to significantly reduce cost and increase the over-all quality of the work. But the BIM Manager’s role demands quick learning because of the ever evolving construction and architecture industry especially in the past decade. Listed below are three prime challenges faced by BIM Managers:

1. People Management – 

The digital 3D BIM model facility requires specially trained personnel as the processes change constantly and therefore the contracts need to be updated accordingly. The role of a BIM Manager had to grow parallel to such an evolution of construction industry and with the acceptance of BIM. The BIM manager’s role is that of a multipurpose one in the construction industry at present. In BIM-supported construction projects the BIM Manager’s role is responsible for defining the roles and responsibilities, imparting knowledge, instilling trust amongst the team members and facilitating and fostering effective, supportive team culture.

2. Defining Policies - 

The BIM Managers must define clear technical policies which would form the base for the model development and exchange. A BIM Manager must be able to lay down clear policies on the project guidelines and contracts, the building standards of the respective region, the responsibility of deliverables and intellectual properties and risk and insurance implication during the duration of the project.

3. Technological Outlook – 

The fast and ever evolving construction industry demands new technologies to be imparted into the processes to keep pace with the competition or to overtake it. A BIM Manager must define an appropriate and cost effective hardware and software set up for utmost utilisation of 3D models, which would further enhance the data exchange, data storage and overall data management. A BIM Manager must also take charge of certification of suitable hardware and software, defining data structures and user specific workspaces and most importantly ensure uninterrupted high speed internet connectivity.

A BIM Manager’s role and challenges are not limited to the above specified ones but traverse the vast boundaries of the entire BIM process. There is no specific course that can train an individual to become a BIM manager, but there are a few leading training centers that provide online Revit training and AutoCAD courses in Mumbai, which can lead individuals to gain professional knowledge on BIM which can assist them in becoming successful BIM Managers.

Top 6 must have skills to survive in AEC industry

The AEC industry is fast evolving and has seen a phenomenal rise in the past decade. The economic uprise, new technologies, demand for better results and work force challenges are few of the factors that have led to the rise to these changes. However, in spite of this evolution, industry organisations are trying to find ways to improve the efficiency in the AEC processes and technology which will lead to increased profit margins enabling them to provide cost effective solutions to their clients.

All these factors present a promising future for the AEC industry and the related organisations and can guarantee that the competition will be fierce. To stay updated with the latest trends and developments of the industry, it is essential for individuals who work in the AEC industry to continue to learn and develop their skill sets. There are many institutes that provide online CAD training for working professionals, with updated courses that teach them the latest essential skills that are required. There are also many other skills that individuals working in the AEC industry must possess and learn in order to survive in the industry. 

Let us discuss 6 such skills necessary to survive in the AEC industry –

1. Design Mindset: Having a design mindset does not only mean you must have the ability to design but you must also be able to understand the proposed designs. Across all the platforms in the AEC industry, professionals come across various design drawings which require acute understanding and diligent work to suggest any alterations. 

2. Adaptive and Analytical Thinking: AEC industry is an industry which requires professionals to have certain skills along with vast technical knowledge so that it enables them to come up with unique and quick solutions for the expected or unexpected situations encountered during the project activities. They have access to all the latest technology, but it is their own analytical thinking powers that will provide them with the ability to come up with unique solutions.

3. Region Specific Knowledge: Across the globe, various countries have mandated laws for the AEC industry which are specific to their regions. This is one of the most important skills required for an individual working in the AEC industry, to have knowledge about these laws applicable to respective counties, which enables them to design the projects abiding the law.

4. Transdisciplinary: The AEC industry is vast one in itself, but it does help immensely if an individual working in this industry possesses knowledge or is at least familiar with interrelated disciplines along with having insightful understanding in the field that they are aligned towards. 

5. Cross Cultural Competency: The current AEC industry is an evolved one and the operations of companies are more often than not spread across the globe, which is companies doing business in various countries. In such a scenario, it is valuable to be able to work with people with different linguistics from various cultures, who possess a variety of skills and different working styles.

6. Computational Thinking: Any industry in this age has to deal with a large amount of data, the AEC industry is not an exemption to this rule. With increased data, it is necessary to have the ability to manage and make decisions based on the vast amount of information provided. Individuals who have good decision making abilities when it comes to data management, hold an edge in the AEC industry, as it is definitely a bonus.

Although there are various other skills that one must possess to survive in the AEC industry, these are few of the key ones. Individuals can learn on the job and with experience, their abilities are enhanced. However, to learn new technologies the best solution is by learning from an institute which specialise in teaching courses related to the AEC industry. Especially for working professionals. There are various Autodesk Revit Online Training Courses that are available through leading training institutes, that are time saving as the courses can be learned online.

Role of Revit in CAD & BIM technologies

Revit was developed particularly with architecture in mind and was built purposefully by architects mainly for the AEC industry. Until that point, majority of the product development teams were architects or came from a design and construction background. The Revit Building application has been developed as a purpose built tool for architecture and is the only wholly parametric Building Information Modeling tool available. AutoCAD is the de facto standard non specialized CAD solution and its file formats DXF and DWG are the most common for CAD interchange. Since the late 90’s, the company made a determined effort to offer a product for every solution in the industry, frequently, purchasing competing businesses and technologies. In 2002, Autodesk bought Revit for a substantial amount and the software for the building solutions formed the foundation for future Autodesk products.

Revit Architecture & MEP

Revit Architecture & MEP is a building information modelling software for architects, engineers, structural engineers and contractors. It allows users to: design a building as well as its components in 3D, interpret the model with 2D drafting elements and access building information from the building models database. Revit is also 4D capable with tools to plan and track several stages in the lifecycle of a building, right from concept to construction and later demolition. This Revit software from Autodesk is particularly built for Building Information Modeling (BIM), allowing design and construction professionals to bring ideas from concept to construction with a coordinated and consistent model based approach. Revit is a single application that incorporates features for architectural design, MEP, construction and structural engineering.

Today, the growth of the AEC industry can be contributed to the ever evolving CAD and BIM technologies. BIM is said to be one of the most significant influential initiatives to have been developed for the AEC industry. BIM is not just a software package but  a vital concept. BIM produces precise information and data rich 3D representation and a database of a proposed building, which can be used throughout the lifecycle of the project to expose and eradicate possible flaws that could occur onsite before the work starts and can also help the client with maintenance issues after the completion of the building.

Similar to BIM, Revit has a major role to play in CAD technology as well. Before 3D CAD software, engineers and architects would work from 2D drawing software, which would result into very modest drawings made up of two dimensional lines. However, with 3D software with Revit being a major example, architects are now able to create fully 3D representations of a proposed building. It allows walkthroughs, to illustrate to the client that everything is where it’s supposed to be, detect clashes wherever possible, etc. Revit plays a major role in the BIM technology space which is why a large amount of the industry is adopting it.

Grey Edge’s leading Revit and CAD training centre constantly strives to offer the best Revit training classes to the aspirant. Backed by experienced and well trained faculty and the best infrastructure, including online and classroom tutorials, we offer the best Autodesk Revit online training courses and CAD training in India.

Do I need to learn AutoCAD before learning Revit?

AutoCAD is an original Autodesk product, developed and sold by Autodesk. Revit was created by a small start-up company and was acquired by Autodesk over a decade ago. Since acquiring, Autodesk has enhanced Revit in several significant ways and along the way has even incorporated some features from AutoCAD. However, there are huge differences between the functions and tools of AutoCAD and many find it wise to learn it before learning Revit through online Revit training.

Revit is a computer-aided design and drafting tool that replaces the requirement for conventional drafting boards and methods. Revit is a modelling tool designed to create virtual simulations of building design projects on the computer. Similar to the physical models created by architects, Revit models are useful for design and visualization. However, computer models can go much further than conventional physical models. Initially, they can be created more rapidly and often more precisely. A single model can be used to generate any kind of drawing from plan to section to 3D view.

In addition, they can contain much more than physical 3D geometry. Everything, right from the properties of the materials used in the design to the performance and lifecycle of the facility can be included in the model and used in real time computations to optimize building performance, safety and function. The more nongraphical information that’s included, the more useful the model becomes to the other participants in the design and life cycle of a building facility including engineers, designers, contractors, subcontractors and owners. 

Such models are known as Building Information Models or BIM in the industry. BIM is not a specific product, but instead a description of the process and intent of the deliverables used to describe, construct and even maintain a facility. It’s thus possible to deliver BIM with any tool, even AutoCAD. For this one needs to undergo online CAD training to master AutoCAD. Revit is built in purpose to the task, however, and more suitable in nearly all ways. That being said, most companies continue to use a variety of tools in the design and production of building facilities. This proves that Revit and AutoCAD are often used side by side on similar project.

There are several ways wherein both software platforms can be used together. AutoCAD drawings can be included into Revit projects and even refreshed to show the latest changes when the AutoCAD file changes. One can export Revit projects to a number of file formats, including AutoCAD drawings, for easy partnership with outside firms not using Revit.

Grey Edge’s Authorised Training and Recruitment Centre offer state of art online CAD training to those who have a tight schedule and cannot attend classroom trainings. The Centre, best known for providing outstanding online Revit training is equipped with exceptional facilities, outstanding Autodesk certified faculties and learning environment for its students. Do visit www.grey-edge.com to know more.