Revit is a type of building information modeling (BIM) software that was created to help professionals like Architects and Engineers create detailed, precise models of systems, structures, and shapes, as well as streamline project management and collaboration. It’s the industry-standard tool for planning the stages of a building project’s lifecycle, beginning with its conception, through its construction, into its maintenance and renovations. If you’ve always wanted to learn Revit but can’t figure out how to get started, this guide is for you. Here, you’ll learn more about the various ways to study Revit, free resources to take advantage of, and the types of careers that commonly use this popular software.
Autodesk Revit is popular building information modeling (BIM) software that professionals like Contractors, Engineers, and Architects use to perform a range of essential building-related tasks. This tool can easily and accurately model structures, systems, and shapes in 3D. It also helps users create the structural elements of a building in 3D and then annotate them using 2D drafting tools. Revit users can make instant revisions to plans, visualizations, schedules, sheets, or elevations, which are updated in real time so that all team members are working with the most current information.
One of the main benefits of using Revit is that it can unite team members working on multidisciplinary projects, leading to better collaborative practices and higher overall efficiency.
This software provides users with tools for annotating, visualizing, sketching, scheduling, and sharing work. Revit offers users tools for integrated analysis and features for uniting multiple file types and datasets, which allows them to create designs with accuracy and confidence. It also has tools for fabrication, cost analysis, and quantity takeoffs.
Read more about what Revit is and why you should learn it.
Revit training has applications for construction projects of all sizes and types. This commercial BIM software helps professionals like Structural Engineers, Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Architects, and Contractors design, edit, review, and share detailed 3D models. Revit users can place building elements like doors, walls, and windows into their drawings, which helps their drawings be precise and exact. It helps generate floor plans, sections, details, and schedules. Before the advent of this BIM software, the design process was much more tedious and time-consuming.
Revit offers advanced analysis engines and can access performance data. It can also run extremely accurate cost estimates and help professionals monitor a building or project’s performance throughout its lifecycle. This tool’s 3D visualization capabilities can be used to create construction project documentation that features stereo panoramas, 3D views, and cutaways. Those who work with Autodesk’s 3Ds Max software and Revit Interoperability can even view their building in virtual reality.
Revit is a multidisciplinary platform that allows different team members who are involved with a construction project to share their work in real time. Architects can share the models they create in Revit with Structural Engineers and other team members as they’re updated. This not only significantly expedites the design process but also helps create a more accurate and affordable final product.
Revit is a popular tool in many professions and industries:
Those who know how to work with Revit can put their skills to use in creating 3D models for small and large construction or design projects. This industry-standard BIM tool provides users with the tools needed to create integrated, unified design models in which the plumbing, mechanical, and engineering elements seamlessly work together. The detailed, annotated models created in Revit can be shared with other project stakeholders in the form of 3D visualizations. This provides a way for professionals like Architects to identify possible design issues as early on in the process as possible, which can save significant time and money down the line.
Those who work with Revit receive automatically generated drawings and schedules based on the 3D models they create. These are helpful for documenting project work throughout the building lifecycle. Working with Revit not only promotes real-time project collaboration but can also improve work accuracy, communication, and cost-effectiveness across disciplines. Because Revit has become widely used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, knowledge of this software is a great addition to a resume and can make individuals more competitive job candidates.
Read more about why you should learn Revit.
Those who are interested in studying Revit can choose from live coursework, on-demand content, and free resources.
Live classes are an interactive and effective way to learn Revit. Students connect in real-time with an expert instructor with industry experience with BIM software. In-person Revit training takes place at a designated training facility with the most current version of Revit installed on the computers and ready to use. Live online study also takes place in real-time but via a live teleconferencing platform. Those enrolled can ask questions and receive immediate guidance and individualized support. Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Bootcamp is a great live training option for those interested in learning technical drawing and the advanced skills required to create 2D AutoCAD drawings.
On-demand Revit classes are available for those seeking a more flexible study approach. Whereas live training takes place in real-time, on-demand courses are pre-recorded. Each learner can complete their training as their schedule permits. Because there isn’t an instructor leading lessons, self-paced training is typically a more cost-effective approach to learning Revit than live study.
Read the full guide on how to learn Revit.
If you want to learn Revit basics but aren’t ready to dive into a full course, you can start learning Revit for free online. Noble Desktop has a hub of AutoCAD tutorials, resources, and articles that contain relevant information to help you get started.
Other providers also have introductory-level coursework in Revit available for no cost. Autodesk has free online webinars and tutorials on its website that teach basic Revit concepts, best practices, and tips and tricks. Udemy offers a free class, How-To-Revit (Beginner Course), that provides learners with more than two hours of self-paced instruction on how to use this software’s basic drafting capabilities and tools, as well as how to transform 2D drawings into 3D models. Those who want to explore how to retrieve information from a Revit model and work with common modeling tools can learn to do so in Coursera’s BIM Fundamentals.
In addition to live and on-demand Revit training, educators like Noble Desktop offer free seminars on Revit and a range of related topics.
Read about more free Revit videos and online tutorials.
For most learners, studying Revit is a relatively straightforward and easy process when approached in phases. Those who have prior tech training or knowledge of BIM tools or AutoCAD will usually find the process easier and faster than novices. After learning the software’s layout and basic tools, most individuals can start working on small projects. These will be much easier for the average learner than larger, more complex endeavors. The main struggle most encounter when studying Revit is pivoting from working with traditional drafting methods to using 3D parameters.
There are no formal prerequisites for learning Revit. Learners don’t even have to have prior experience with BIM software to get started with this tool. However, knowledge of basic architectural design principles and concepts like elevations and floor plans can help most students effectively apply their Revit skills. Basic computer literacy and access to this software are also a must.
In terms of cost, Revit is available through subscription as well as through flex plans. Subscriptions to Revit are available for one person for $365 a month, $2,910 a year, or $8,730 for three years. Autodesk also offers flex plans, which are pay-as-you-go options in which the user pre-purchases tokens for an Autodesk product like Revit and then can access that product on a daily basis. The flex option requires a minimum $300 purchase. This option is a good alternative for individuals or team members interested in trying the product or who only require periodic access. Additionally, a free Revit trial is also available from Autodesk.
Read about how difficult it is to learn Revit.
Generally speaking, learning to work with Revit is considered more difficult than comparable BIM design applications like AutoCAD, a 2D drafting tool with a relatively simple interface. This is because of its many functionalities, complex interface, and overall approach to BIM. Working with Revit requires that users have a robust understanding of data relationships and project workflows. Those who haven’t previously worked with BIM software may find that they will require additional time and practice to master Revit than they would with similar software. However, once they fully master this industry-standard application, Revit provides users with a substantial advantage over the competition in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Unlike AutoCAD, where users create individual shapes and lines, Revit provides a more holistic approach to concept-based design in which each element is designed as a component with its own unique properties. This difference can be hard for some individuals to grasp initially. Another key difference between Revit and other BIM apps is that it provides a distinct workflow for each design phase. This means that Revit users have to adapt to this way of completing projects. Some users may also find Revit’s extensive range of functionalities and features to be a bit overwhelming when compared to other CAD tools.
Before you get started learning Revit, you may wonder which learning method is best for you. The answer to this question is largely subjective and will depend on your ultimate goals for learning this tool.
Those who are new to BIM software like Revit and aren’t ready to invest hundreds or even thousands on training can get started with free introductory courses. These provide a comprehensive overview of Revit’s basic features and capabilities and provide students with a low-stakes way to acquire basic knowledge. Interested learners can also download a free Revit trial so they can explore this software’s interface before investing in a subscription. Free classes are usually available on-demand online and can be completed on the learner’s own time, as their schedule permits.
For learners who want to develop a solid working knowledge of Revit for their current career or to plug a skill gap, bootcamp study is typically a more effective alternative to free resources. These comprehensive classes are available on topics like project management, AutoCAD, and Revit and allow learners to devote several days or weeks to learning essential BIM skills. These programs are available in person around the country, as well as live online. They provide learners with real-time access to instructors and ensure they receive individualized support and guidance.
The most comprehensive form of instruction available in Revit is certificate study. Certificate programs like Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Masterclass are a great opportunity for learners to fully immerse in their studies so they can pursue a new career path or pivot to a new industry. Certificate programs usually take several weeks (or longer) to complete and are offered in the live format, either in-person or online. While certificate programs are usually the most expensive and extensive training format, the additional financial investment often includes additional educational incentives, such as career counseling, mentoring sessions, or access to networking events.
VDCI's BIM Certificate program offers comprehensive training in Building Information Modeling through intensive, small-group classes led by industry expert instructors. Students master essential skills through hands-on experience with real-world commercial construction projects, learning everything from 3D modeling in Revit Architecture to creating detailed construction documentation and specializing in MEP or structural design. The program stands out for its practical approach and student-friendly policies, including free course retake options to ensure mastery of the material.
Noble Desktop offers several hands-on classes for those interested in learning how to work with AutoCAD. The AutoCAD Bootcamp provides learners with comprehensive training on basic techniques for drawing and modifying technical drawings, as well as how to use this software to make 2D drawings. During this program, students design and edit a basic drawing to practice with AutoCAD tools. This bootcamp is designed for PC users, though Mac users can attend this program live online.
Noble also has an AutoCAD Masterclass. This rigorous program provides small class instruction and is a great opportunity for learners to acquire in-depth AutoCAD skills. Coursework begins with an introduction to AutoCAD basics, such as how to navigate its interface, create basic drawings, and use core editing commands. Training then progresses into intermediate-level AutoCAD training that focuses on accurate positioning and effective working methods, such as how to use templates, layouts, and styles. In the final portion of this program, learners explore advanced topics like how to work with attributes, dynamic blocks, and tables. Those interested in sitting for the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam can enroll in Noble’s AutoCAD Certification. This rigorous class provides students with a combination of private tutoring and live AutoCAD training.
All Noble courses are taught by expert instructors and include a free retake option for up to one year. Students can complete their training live online or attend classes in New York City.
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