Trending in Revit 2020

As the most popular building information management tool in use, Revit continues to build on previous functionality. New features and enhancements, some of which were suggested and voted upon by Revit users on the Autodesk Ideas Forum, offer better workflows for creation, optimization and connection. Following are a dozen favorite trending features of Revit 2020 as chosen by Rabi Sidawi, AIA, Applied Software Senior Specialist:

1. Advance Steel Extension for Revit 2020

This feature is a favorite for Rabi and many other users. It offers direct export to/import from Revit and therefore a bidirectional workflow among structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators.

2. Waypoints in a path of travel

Waypoints are used to adjust a route between starting and ending points. Waypoints can be added from the “Add Waypoint” menu selection and clicking on the path of travel. They can be deleted from the “Delete Waypoint” menu selection and choosing the waypoint node to remove.

3. Path of travel route analysis

With the Revit 2020 Path of Travel tool, you can find the shortest path between two points. The tool analyzes the path to avoid walls and other obstacles.

4. PDF files in views

PDFs and raster images can be added to a 2D view or 3D Revit model by importing them, underlaying or snapping. They can be dragged and dropped or imported using the Image tool, modified and used as a reference in model creation. 

5. BIM 360 Design Sync activity indicator

On the Revit status bar, users can check a workshared cloud model’s synchronization status. Icons show when a model is available for sync or is in the process of synchronizing.

6. Create Elliptical Walls

Full and partial ellipse shapes with advanced geometry are now options in Revit for walls and curtain walls. 

 

7. Fly mode for perspective views

The Revit “Fly” tool allows users to get a perspective view of their model. There are three ways to enter fly mode: with a keyboard shortcut, using the “Fly” button on the navigation bar, or dragging the mouse while holding down the right button.

8. Stripe rows

When working in large schedules, Revit enables the user to display rows of the schedule in contrasting colors, giving the effect of stripes. The stripe effect can be specified using the Appearance tab of the Schedule Properties or Material Takeoff Properties dialog boxes.  

9. Freeze/unfreeze header

Another feature for working in large schedules is freezing the main header and title rows. This allows you to keep track of what’s in the columns as you scroll through lower rows in the current schedule view. The feature resets when the user changes sessions.

10. Schedule scope boxes

In order to manage the way scope boxes are applied to a view, they can be scheduled in a view list. They can then be sorted and grouped by sheet, level or type, among others.

11. Save a workshared model to the cloud

Models that are either workshared or not workshared can be saved to the cloud. The workshared model can be directly uploaded to BIM 360 Document Management, where cloud worksharing enables true collaboration.

12. Coordinates of linked files visible

Although the survey point and project base point are typically only displayed in the site plan, users can change that if desired. The internal origin can be displayed in all views by revealing hidden elements. If the coordinate points overlap, a special combination icon is displayed.

One of the country’s renowned experts on Revit, Rabi Sidawi knows the Revit world well. Recognized by Autodesk for distinguished performance and with highest ATC instructor performance ratings from students, Rabi follows advancements in Revit functionality closely. For a list of all the new features in Revit 2020 go to: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Revit-WhatsNew/files/GUID-C81929D7-02CB-4BF7-A637-9B98EC9EB38B-htm.html.

To investigate how using Revit can propel your company forward with building information management, or to take your Revit use to the next level, contact Applied Software today. With a quick discovery call, an Applied Revit expert can help you design the best BIM process solution for your company’s individual needs. To train with experts like Rabi, check out the Applied Software LiveLab Learning Schedule to find classes that fit the needs of you and your team.