Chapter 17: Detailing Your Design

Create details. Details in Revit are a combination of 2D elements layered on top of 3D model elements or sometimes just stacked on top of each other. Creating good, easy-to-read details typically requires some embellishment of the 3D model.

Master It What are the three primary categories of detail elements and how are they used?

Solution Detail lines are used to create two-dimensional linework of various weights and styles. They are used for drafting, much like you would draft in a CAD application. Filled regions and masking regions are the two region types that are used to apply patterns (even if that pattern is a solid-white field) against your details. These can help to show context such as materiality. Components like detail components and detail groups are used to create 2D families that can be used and reused in a variety of details within the model. They are historically used to create elements like blocking, metal studs, metal deck, and so on.

Add detail components to families. You can make creating details in Revit easier by adding some of the detail elements directly to the family. In this way, when you cut sections, make callouts, or enlarge plan conditions, your “smart” details can begin to construct themselves.

Master It Since you don't always want elements to appear in every scale of view, how can you both add detail elements to your families while still limiting the amount of information that is shown in any given view?

Solution Using the detail levels (Coarse, Medium, and Fine), you can control the visibility of any element within a family to show, or not show, at those settings. By controlling the detail level, you can keep the family simple in a Coarse view and add more detail as the drawing gets increasingly complex.

Learn efficient detailing. As you master detailing in Revit, you'll begin to learn tips and tricks to make your process of creating details more efficient.

Master It To help you assess how much effort you should be putting into your details, what are three questions you should be asking yourself before starting any detail?

Solution Will I see or use this in other views in the project?

Will it affect other aspects of the project (like material takeoffs)?

How large is it?