Introduction xxv
Part 1 • General Project Setup 1
Chapter 1 • Exploring the User Interface 3
The Ribbon 3
Using Tabs 4
Using Contextual Tabs 10
Using Family Editor Tabs 10
Customizing the Ribbon 12
Quick Access Toolbar 13
User Interface Features 14
Options Bar 14
Properties Palette 15
View Control Bar 17
Status Bar 21
Info Center 21
Exchange Apps 22
User Interface Control 22
Menus and Settings 23
Keyboard Shortcuts 25
Graphics 27
Context Menus 28
The Bottom Line 30
Chapter 2 • Creating an Effective Project Template 31
Understanding Templates 32
Understanding the Project Browser Organization 32
Determining Which Views Are Grouped Together 33
Sorting Views within Groups 34
Determining the Number and Types of Views Needed 35
Setting the Number of Levels 36
Working with Plan Types 37
Creating a Working View 37
Choosing Display Settings for Views 37
Visibility Settings for Template Views 39
Visibility Settings Shortcut: View Templates 45
Schedule Views 46
Establishing Project Settings 48
Object Styles 48
Drafting Line Settings 49
Export Settings 54
Annotation Styles 58
Project Units 62
Project Phases 63
Defining Preloaded Content and Its Behavior 66
Annotation Families 66
Component Families 68
System Families 71
MEP Settings 74
Creating Sheet Standards 77
Titleblocks 77
Sheet Organization 77
Preset Sheets (Not Placeholder Sheets) 78
The Bottom Line 81
Chapter 3 • Worksets and Worksharing 83
Understanding Central Files 83
Creating a Central File 84
Creating a New Workset 88
Working with Local Files 91
Creating a Local File 91
Synchronizing a Local File with the Central File 93
Managing and Using the Power of Worksets 96
Taking Ownership of Worksets 97
Working with Model Elements and Their Worksets 98
Controlling Visibility and Worksets 102
Enhancing Communication 106
The Bottom Line 108
Chapter 4 • Project Collaboration 109
Preparing Your Files for Sharing 109
Working with Linked Revit Files 112
Linking Revit Files 112
Using Shared Coordinates 115
Managing Revit Links 117
Controlling Visibility of Revit Links 119
Coordinating Elements within Shared Models 124
Monitoring Elements 125
Responding to Change Alerts 129
Reconciling Hosting 130
Maintaining Project Coordination 132
Working with Files from Other Applications 133
Linking CAD Files 133
Exporting Your Revit File to a CAD Format 136
Using Image Files in a Revit Project 138
Setting Options for Quality Control 141
Using Autodesk Revit Server 144
Using Cloud-Based Solutions 144
The Bottom Line 145
Chapter 5 • Multiplatform Interoperability: Working with 2D and 3D Data 147
2D Data Types 148
MicroStation 2D DGN 148
DXF 149
2D Data for Standard Details 149
2D Data for Plans, Sections, and Elevations 151
3D Data Types 158
Revit Project File 158
Revit Family File 161
ADSK 161
IFC 162
AutoCAD DWG 163
SketchUp 163
Other File Formats 163
Point Clouds 164
The Bottom Line 165
Chapter 6 • Parameters 167
Understanding Parameter Basics 168
Choosing the Correct Parameter 168
Naming Parameters 168
Using Type Parameters 169
Using Instance Parameters 171
Setting Parameter Discipline, Type, and Grouping 172
Using Parameters in Families 175
Dimensional Parameters Lock Function 176
Parameter Types 176
Type Catalogs 178
Formulas 181
System Parameters 182
Lookup Tables 183
Using Shared Parameters 184
Using Parameters in Projects 189
Project Parameters 189
Parameters in Schedules 191
Creating and Using Parameters in Families and Schedules 193
View and Sheet Parameters 195
Working with Formulas 197
Sample Conditional Statements 198
Rounding 198
The Bottom Line 199
Chapter 7 • Schedules 201
Defining Schedules 201
The Fields Tab 203
The Filter Tab 206
The Sorting/Grouping Tab 208
The Formatting Tab 209
The Appearance Tab 213
Editing a Schedule 213
Scheduling Component and System Family Data 217
Mechanical Equipment Schedules 217
Lighting Fixture Schedules 218
System Family Schedules 220
Model Component Schedules 223
Using Schedules for Design and Analysis 225
Schedule Keys 226
Panel Schedules 229
Using Schedules for Project Management 231
Sheet List 232
View List 233
Note Block 234
The Bottom Line 236
Part 2 • Autodesk Revit MEP for Mechanical Design 237
Chapter 8 • HVAC Cooling and Heating Load Analysis 239
Modeling Spaces for Building Load Analysis 239
Creating Spaces 240
Placing Spaces 241
Creating a Space Properties Schedule 241
Modifying Space Pro