Mastering Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2013

Chapter 4

Configuring Templates and Standards

In this chapter we discuss how to configure and manage graphic standards through the development and use of a project template. Such templates can be rich with information that goes beyond the out-of-the-box content provided by Autodesk. We will present proven methods for establishing template settings and content as well as explain how the reuse of work will increase productivity with each successive project.

In this chapter, you'll learn to:

• Define settings for graphic quality and consistency
• Organize views for maximum efficiency
• Create custom annotation families
• Start a project with a custom template
• Develop a template management strategy

Introducing Project Templates

Like many other applications, the Autodesk^® Revit^® Architecture application allows you to start with a basic template and then evolve your own custom templates to suit specific needs. As your knowledge of the software progresses, you'll begin to create new and reusable content such as wall types, roof types, ceilings, stairs, tags, and other families in order to meet your design and documentation needs. This is also the case with regard to the graphical language that you or your firm has established and needs to implement within Revit. How you graphically present elements such as text, dimensions, annotations, keynotes, and hatch patterns defines your graphic style of design documentation. In reality, the architectural profession tends to develop stylized graphics ...