AutoCAD Drafting in Revit- 2D Drafting Tools

As Revit is a modelling program that enables you to model (draw) an entire project in 3D 

you need to display this model in a manner that can be viewed by others for construction.
To ensure these views are in a manner that matches your current office drafting standards and to 'tell the story' you will need to do 2D drafting at some stage. Revit keeps it simple and generally has enough for what you need.

Some of the items include:
• Detail lines
Use the Detail Line tool to draw detail lines to provide additional information to the model geometry in detail views and drafting views.

• Filled regions 
Create a view-specific graphic that fills an area with a pattern. You can use filled regions when detailing a view or creating an annotation family

• Detail components 
Detail components are line-based 2D elements that you can add to detail views or drafting views. They are visible only in those views. They scale with the model, rather than the sheet.
Detail components are not associated with the model elements that are part of the building model. Instead, they provide construction details or other information in a specific view.

• Detail groups 
A detailed group is a collection of view-specific elements that you can then reuse within other views.

• Masking regions 
Masking regions are view-specific graphics that can be used to obscure elements in a view.
Masking regions may be useful in scenarios like the following:

1. You need to obscure elements in a project.
2. You are creating a detailed family or a model family and need the background of the element to mask the model and other detail components when it is loaded into a project.
3. You need to create a model family (from imported 2D DWG files) that obscures other elements when placed in a view.

• Repetitive details.

2D drafting should only be used when there are limitations to the 3D model. Apply when you just need a quick detail or need additional information with your model element.

Note :

2D drafting elements are often called “dumb intelligence”, i.e. if a steel member moves from its original position the 2D detail element WILL NOT move. Try to lock the 2D drafting elements to the 3D model components wherever possible. This way they will move with modelled elements.

Related Post:
How to Approach Migrating from AutoCAD to Revit

Revit in AutoCAD Language

When migrating from an AutoCAD background to Revit, one of the hardest tasks for

converts are understanding a similar language between the two packages.

Below is a guide that may help to apply old knowledge to new

AutoCAD	Revit	Comments
.pgp files	Keyboard Shortcuts (KS)
Break	Split
Dimensions	Dimensions
Dynamic Block	Families (systems and components)
Freeze Layer	Temporarily Hide
Hatch Patterns	Filled Regions
Insert	Insert
Layer Isolate	Isolate Elements
Layers	Workset
Layers (modify)	Visibility and Graphics
Line	Detail Line
Template	Template
Text	Annotation
Units	Project Units
Viewport	Crop Region/Viewports
Wblock	Groups	Autocad in Groups provides an easy way to combine drawing objects that you need to manipulate as a unit. Same functionality with Revit.
Xrefs	Links
Layer Lock	Pin	Pinning in Revit extends to 3d elements.
Distance	Measure between Two References
Erase	Delete

When it comes to similarities, there are three main topics to discuss; 2D, 3D and Rendering. Both AutoCAD and Revit are used to create 2D drawings, such as floor plans, elevations, details, etc. There may be slight differences in how they're presented graphically, but essentially the result is the same. With both, you can generate a set of construction documents. 

In conclusion, Revit has revolutionized the way we design and build structures. As a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, it provides architects, engineers, and contractors with a comprehensive platform for designing, documenting, and collaborating on construction projects.

While AutoCAD remains a popular tool for 2D drafting and detailing, Revit offers numerous advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. With Revit, you can create a detailed 3D model of your building, analyze its performance, generate construction documents, and even simulate its operation and maintenance.

Furthermore, Revit's interoperability with other software and its ability to handle large and complex projects make it a valuable tool for the AEC industry. Whether you're working on a small residential project or a large-scale commercial development, Revit can help you streamline your workflow, reduce errors, and enhance communication among team members.

Overall, Revit has proven to be a game-changer in the world of architecture, engineering, and construction. By leveraging its advanced capabilities and features, professionals can create better buildings and structures that meet the needs of the modern world.

How to Approach Migrating from AutoCAD to Revit

Published by +Paul Aubin  | Friday, March 8th, 2013

When I’m teaching Autodesk Revit to new users, I frequently get asked: “Why isn’t more like AutoCAD if both products are by the same company?” It’s a perfectly logical line of reasoning. Autodesk is the maker of both AutoCAD and Revit. But to understand why your favorite feature in AutoCAD isn’t in Revit, or is included but works differently, it’s helpful to understand the history and focus of these two products.

The history part is easy. AutoCAD is an original Autodesk product, developed and sold by Autodesk. A small start-up company created Revit and Autodesk acquired the software over a decade ago. Autodesk has since enhanced Revit in many significant ways and along the way has even incorporated some features from AutoCAD when and where appropriate. However, there are vast differences between the functions and tools of AutoCAD.

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design and drafting tool that replaces the need for traditional drafting boards and methods. Revit is a modeling tool designed to create virtual simulations of building design projects on the computer. Like the physical models created by architects, Revit models are useful for design and visualization. However, computer models can go much further than traditional physical models. First, they can be created more quickly and often more accurately. A single model is used to generate any kind of “drawing,” from plan to section to 3D view.

Furthermore, they can contain much more than physical 3D geometry. Everything from the properties of the materials used in the design to the performance and life cycle of the facility can be included in the model and be used in real-time computations to optimize building performance, safety, and function. The more nongraphical information that’s included, the more useful the model becomes to the other participants in the design and life cycle of a building facility, including designers, engineers, contractors, subcontractors and owners.

Such a model is referred to in the industry as a Building Information Model or BIM. BIM isn’t a particular product, but rather a description of the process and intent of the deliverables used to describe, construct, and even maintain a facility. It’s therefore possible to deliver BIM with any tool, even AutoCAD. Revit is purpose-built to the task, however, and more suitable in nearly all ways. That being said, most companies continue to use a variety of tools in the design and production of building facilities. This means that Revit and AutoCAD are often used side by side on the same project.

AutoCAD files are often imported into and even used alongside Revit models.
There are many ways that the two products can be used together. AutoCAD drawings can be incorporated into Revit projects and even refreshed to show the latest changes when the AutoCAD file changes. Revit projects can be exported to a number of file formats, including AutoCAD drawings, for easy collaboration with outside firms not using Revit.

The hardest part of the transition from AutoCAD to Revit is not the learning of the new tools and interface, but rather the “unlearning” of AutoCAD approaches and replacing the thought process used to approach a building design project with the corresponding Revit-based workflow. The time it takes to do this will vary by individual, but usually does not take too long. Often, once you see the benefits of using Revit instead of AutoCAD in your design and documentation process, any discomfort experienced in the transition will seem a small price to pay.

Interested in more?

• Migrating from AutoCAD to Revit
• Revit Architecture 2013 Essential Training
• Phasing and Design Options in Revit

Source: +lynda.com