Autodesk Revit is the industry-standard software for building information modeling (BIM)-related tasks. This tool was first developed in 1997 by Charles River Software, then acquired by Autodesk in 2002. Revit helps professionals like Contractors, Architects, and Engineers plan and monitor the different stages of a building project’s life cycle, including its construction, maintenance, and even eventual demolition. Revit users can design a building’s structural elements and components in a 3D model and then create 2D annotations with 2D drafting tools. In this overview, you’ll learn more about what Revit is, what it can do, who uses it, and how to learn it so you can determine how to add this skill to your professional toolbox.
What Can You Do with Revit?
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.
How Do You Download Revit? How Much Does it Cost?
If you’re interested in downloading Revit, you can do so directly on the Autodesk website. It’s available as a subscription service, as well as through flex plans.
Those interested in purchasing an individual Revit subscription can opt for monthly or yearly plans. A one-month subscription costs $365, a one-year subscription costs $2,910, and three-year subscriptions are available for $8,730. Subscription plans are the best option for Revit users who will be working with this software regularly.
Flex plans are also available from Autodesk. Autodesk Flex is a pay-as-you-go option that’s available for those who only need to work with Revit occasionally or who want to try an Autodesk product before purchase. This system involves pre-purchasing tokens, which are then used to provide users with access to any Autodesk product that offers Flex for daily rates. The number of tokens required to use an Autodesk product varies based on which product is selected. Autodesk Flex requires a $300 minimum purchase. Employers first purchase tokens for their team, then go to their Autodesk account to assign users to Flex. Each day a product is open, tokens will be used until the product is closed. Employers can track spending and token use.
In addition to subscription and flex plans, Autodesk also offers a free Revit trial. This is a great option for those interested in becoming familiar with Revit or exploring its basic capabilities before investing hundreds or thousands of dollars on a subscription or flex plan.
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What Are the Benefits of Learning Revit?
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.
Revit Careers
Revit is a popular tool in many professions and industries:
- Construction Managers who oversee building progress and preemptively address and resolve any potential issues work with Revit to make sure the current project adheres to models.
- MEP Engineers use Revit MEP to create and coordinate complicated systems like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.
- Architects work with Revit to create detailed designs and 3D models for buildings.
- BIM Specialists coordinate and manage BIM models to ensure they’re accurate and efficient. They also address issues and ensure a project meets all expected standards.
- Interior Designers rely on Revit to visualize and design detailed models of interior spaces and experiment with different styles and layouts.
- Urban Planners who work with Revit can design 3D models of neighborhoods or entire cities. This software assists with development plans and ensures that they address community needs.
- Structural Engineers use Revit’s plugins and add-ons to make 3D reinforcement designs and reinforcement shop drawings that include rebar schedules. It also helps these professionals perform one or parallel cloud-based structural analyses that either partially or fully analyze the Revit model.
- Quantity Surveyors are hired to create estimates for material costs and quantities for construction jobs. They work with Revit to ensure budgetary constraints are adhered to and that resources are being used efficiently.
How to 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.
A Brief History of Revit
The Revit Technology Corporation was founded in 1997 by Irwin Jungreis and Leonid Raiz. Their intention was to introduce parametric modeling capabilities to the building industry and design a tool for Architects to assist them with building design. The name “Revit” is an abbreviation for “revise-instantly,” which was coined because when a single change is made to one part of a Revit model, the software updates all related elements.
The initial version of Revit came out in 2000 and introduced building information modeling (BIM) to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Revit was created to merge parametric 3D modeling capabilities with 2D drawings so Engineers and Architects could design building models capable of managing and updating project-related data throughout the entire project’s lifestyle. In 2000, Charles River Software changed its name to Revit Technology Corporation to reflect its commitment to this software. In the years that followed, efforts were made to improve Revit and integrate it into the construction industry.
By 2002, Autodesk had acquired Revit for $133 million, a move intended to reflect the importance of BIM and the integral role Revit plays. This acquisition was a catalyst for Revit to make important advancements, such as improvements to its functionality and performance, so Engineers and Architects could maintain systematic workflows. Revit updates also provided users with a cloud-based approach to collaboration and features for sustainable practices.
Comparable Applications
Those interested in using Revit may wonder if there are any comparable skills or tools they can study alongside this software to make them more well-rounded employees or competitive job applicants. One tool commonly used in fields like architecture or construction is AutoCAD, a 2D drafting tool. When working with AutoCAD, users create lines and individual shapes. Revit, on the other hand, offers users a more holistic concept-based approach to design, where every element is created to be a component with unique properties.
AutoCAD provides users with a relatively straightforward interface. Most students will find that AutoCAD is easier to learn than Revit because it focuses largely on 2D drafting instead of advanced 3D modeling. Using Revit also requires a solid understanding of project workflows and data relationships. Additionally, Revit students may be overwhelmed when confronted with this tool’s vast range of features and functionalities, which is more comprehensive than other CAD tools. Students who have no prior experience using BIM software may need additional time to master Revit than would be necessary to learn other software. However, once they become familiar with this widely used software’s many capabilities, Revit offers a distinct advantage over competitor products because of the accuracy it provides.
Learn Revit with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop
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.