Gabe Hernandez Method for Getting Started with Revit – Part 1

In the Gabe Hernandez webinar “The Great Migration: Moving from 2D to 3D for a Better Life,” he explained tips for making your transition to Revit as efficient and painless as possible. You can use special workflows moving from CAD to Revit, and some AutoCAD workflows will work in Revit. From experience, Gabe related that a hybrid workflow can be useful for a limited time.

Gabe reminded CAD users that those who are power users should be able to transition fairly easily. For the rest of us, he summed up the very top rule in four words: Use the proper template.

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If you want to explore ways the BIM process can be a wise use of your company’s time and money, contact Applied Software today. The Revit and BIM experts at Applied will help you choose the right technology for your company’s needs.

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Here are some other things to remember about getting started with Revit:

1. There is a difference between modeling and drafting. Sure, you can draft in Revit. However, every line you draw increases the file size of the Revit model and decreases its performance. There are better ways to add detailing through Revit options. Gabe advised, “If you want to draft, draft in AutoCAD.”
2. Revit is built on a single database. There is one single file for the model (some engineering workflows excepted). When you create models, Revit retains your data and adapts it according to the changes you make. When you set up your model, Gabe said, “You do it once and never have to do it again.”
3. Project management is built into the Revit project. In CAD, users often use Windows Explorer externally to pull up folders with PDFs, DWGs and other documents. There is no need to do that with Revit, since the process is built in.
4. Another important thing Gabe stressed to users: you cannot do a “save as” back to a previous version of Revit. When it comes to standards especially, you cannot save back to take advantage of standards created in previous versions. Gabe recommended using Revit 2021 to develop your models. Then you can upgrade your models to a newer version if you need to. You’ll find more about developing models in Part 2 of this series.

Workflow innovations are part of your success with Revit. One of the best ways to get everyone in your team on the same page is by using:

• Pilot projects
• Simple and small, non-complex projects
• Existing or legacy projects
• Hybrid projects with CAD imports and links

Everyone who makes the transition from 2D to 3D BIM with Revit wants the process to be seamless and efficient. If you decide to use special workflows moving from CAD to Revit, remember that your hybrid workflow should only be used for a limited time until, as Gabe put it, “you cut the AutoCAD cord and go full Revit.”

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Check out Part 2 of this series.

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