T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T

proj ec t by n. c om

© Copyright 2023 Project by n.

 The essential first step to working in Revit is to create a custom template that
will be used for all projects.

A good Revit template

will economise your time + streamline your workflows.

Your template should be specifically developed for the needs of your practice
and should reflect the graphic style of your architecture studio. A well-developed
template helps organise your drawings, sheets and views to navigate the complex
Revit browser with greater ease. The template can be fully set up with custom
settings, parameters and ready-to-use drafting elements to create beautiful,
quality architectural drawings in a consistent graphic style across all projects.

We have outlined the following checklist with they key components to consider
when creating a Revit template from scratch.

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 T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T

BR OW S E R OR GAN IS AT ION : views, sheets + Schedule catagories

P ROJ E C T PA RA M E T E RS : determine necessary parameters for project
S H A RE D PAR AME T E R S : create shared parameters file
N A M IN G C ON V E N T IONS : establish + draft up all naming conventions
Integrated F IL E S L OC AT ION : determine all essential file paths
Standards E X P ORT + IMP ORT D WG SETTIN GS : predefine dwg settings
P R OJ E C T IN F OR M AT IO N : complete common project information
P R OJ E C T U N IT S : define the units your projects will use
K E Y BOA RD S H ORT C U TS : set the commonly used command shortcuts
S N AP S : adjust the snaps settings

OBJ E C T S T Y L E S : define the settings for all object styles

L IN E S T Y L E S : set up a full suite of line styles
L IN E S W E IGH T S : define the settings line weights at various scales
L IN E PAT T E R N S : set up all necessary line patterns
Graphic TEXT STYLES : set up all necessary text styles
Standards F IL L RE GION S : set up a full suite of fill regions
F IL L PAT T E RN S : set up all necessary fill patterns
M AT E RIA L S : set up a suite of commonly used materials
V IE W T E M P L AT E S : set up a suite of commonly used view tempaltes
F ILT E R S : set up the commonly used view filters such as for fire plans
C OL OU R F IL L S C H E MES : set up the relevant colour schemes

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LEVELS : set up default levels in elevation views

PHASES : define the relevant phases e.g. existing, new construction
Preset
SCHEDULES : set up commonly used schedules e.g. windows/doors
Elements
KE Y N OT E S : add keynote data if this is used by your office
L E GE N D S : set up commonly used schedules e.g. for windows/doors

T IT L E BL OC KS : create a suite of titleblocks with parameters

Families
S Y S T E M FAMIL IE S : include all standard wall, ceiling, roof + floors

D IME N S ION S : create a suite of linear, angular, radial dimensions

TA GS : create a suite of graphically elegant tags
Annotation AN N OTAT ION S Y MB OL S : add commonly used annotations
Families GRID S + L E V E L S : customize grid + levels to your graphic style
AR ROW H E AD S : customize arrow heads to suit your drawing output
V IE W TA GS : add or customise callout, elevation + section tags

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 T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T

Integrated Revit Standards

When working in BIM, organisation is essential.

The fundamental organisational elements to set up in your template include the

project information, the file locations to link key files and folders on you server to
your Revit project and naming conventions for all project elements. Setting up the
project information and file locations in your Revit template will save considerable
time in carrying this out for each individual project.

The naming conventions for maintaining an organised Revit model and BIM
standards are extensive. These should be outlined and readily available in the
Revit template itself for reference. This practice is more likely to ensure the
correct conventions are followed. The naming conventions should outline how
the following Revit elements should be named and organized: views, sheets,
schedules, legends, view templates, materials, families, groups and assemblies.
This information can be typed in a drafting view and filed in the browser for easy
access when building your project model.

Family Naming Convention Project Browser - Sheet Naming Convention

XXX_Description XXX XXX XX XXX XX X 00 000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 - Family Code 2 - Description

ANN Annotations Description must be in CamelCase as per Revit standards i.e. 1 Project
CLG Ceilings with first letter in capital with no space in between XXXX [Project number]
COL Columns (architectural placeholder columns)
COM Communication Devices eg: 2 Originator
CAS Casework PBN - Project by n. [Company Name]
CWM Curtain Wall Mullions DOR_SingleSwing
CWP Curtain Wall Mullions DOR_DoubleSwing_VisionPanel 3 Volume / System
CWS Curtain Wall Systems WAL_EXT_Type1 Break project down to zones for multiple buildings
DAT Data Devices RAL_INT_StairCore ZZ All volumes
DCT Ducts XX Single building
DET Detail Items Detail Items B1 Building 1
DOR Doors As there are many detail items in a project, a second family code
ELE Electrical Equipment should be used in the description to define the element the detail 4 Level / Location
ELF Electrical Fixtures item relates to B00 Basement (buildings with only one basement level)
FIR Fire Alarm Devices B01 Basement 01
FLO Floors eg: B02 Basement 02
FUR Furniture B03 Basement 03
FRS Furniture Systems DET_DOR_LeverHandle G00 Ground Floor
GEN Generic Models (avoid using if possible) DET_FUR_KitchenTap G01 Upper Ground Floor 01
LAN Landscaping G02 Upper Ground Floor 02
LIT Lighting Fixtures Annotations L01 First Floor
MAS Mass Annotations that are tags should have TAG in the description L02 Second Floor
MEC Mechanical Equipment R00 Roof (buildings with only one roof level)
PIP Pipes eg: R01 Roof 01
PLM Plumbing Fixtures R02 Roof 02
PAR Parking ANN_TAG_RoomNameArea XXX No level applicable
M Profile ANN_TAG_DoorNumber ZZZ Multiple levels
ROD Roads
RAL Railings 5 Type
RAM Ramps BQ Bill of Quantity
ROF Roofs DR Drawing
SFT Shaft Openings SC Schedule
SIT Site SK Sketch
SPE Specialty Equipment SP Specification
SPK Sprinklers M2 2D Model
STA Stairs M3 3D Model
TBL Title Blocks MR Model rendering
TOP Topography VS Visualisation
WIN Windows
WIR Wires 6 Role
WAL Walls A Architects K Client
B Building Surveyor L Landscape Architect
C Civil Engineer M Mechnical Engineer
E Electrical Engineer S Structural Engineer

7 Number
2 digits for Package Code (see below) + 3 digits sequential (100,200,300 series etc)

Group + Assembly Naming Convention

Building Package Codes

XXX_Description
Groups and assemblies should follow the same naming conventions as the families where there is a dominant element in the group. Overview - Building Systems Secondary Elements Services - Mainly Electrical Fittings - Loose Equipment

eg: 00 Surveys 31 Windows and Louvres 63 Lighting 82 Furniture, Loose

a group for the external walls consisting of walls, windows and doors can be named as: 01 General Arrangements 32 Doors 66 Lifts and Hoists
WAL_EXT_FacadeType1 02 Area Diagrams 33 Access Floors
03 Lease and Demise 34 Balustrades and Balconies External Elements
A group containing a typical internal floor(s) can be grouped by zone (B1) and level (L01-L05) 35 Ceilings Fittings - Fittings/Fixtures
FLO_B1_INT_L01-L05 37 Rooflights 90 External Works
Substructure 71 Signage 97 External FF&E
72 Furniture, Built-In
To further define groups + assemblies use the following where relevant: 12 Enabling & Demolitions Finishes 73 Kitchens
19 Tanking 74 Sanitary and Bathrooms
TYP for typical 40 Finishes General 75 Cleaning and Maintenance
EXT for external 41 External Wall Finishes 76 Storage and Joinery
INT for internal Primary Elements 42 Internal Wall Finishes 78 Other Fittings
APT for apartment type 43 Floor Finishes
COR for circulation core 21 External Walls 44 Stair Finishes
22 Internal Walls 45 Ceiling Finishes
23 Floors and Galleries 47 Roof Finishes
24 Stairs and Ramps
27 Roofs
i LINK - RIBA Package Codes

ⓒ Project by n. 2022

Image: Project by n. PRO Revit Template

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 Project Information

Project Name: P000 Project Name

File Name: P000-PBN-ZZ-ZZZ-XX-A-building
Project Base Point: N/S 000000000, E/W 000000000
Date Created: 00.00.000
Author: Project by n. (PBN)
Revit Version:
T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Template Version: PBN V1 (Updated 00.00.0000)
Model Status: Work In Progress (WIP)

Start Screen
Every template should include a specially developed start screen that also functions
as a BIM transmittal sheet. This can be created as a drafting view and set as
the default view that first appears when the project file is opened. The start
screen operates as a record of key project information, such as the name, project
base point, file format and template version.

A transmittal sheet which acts as a record of when and for what purpose the
model was issued, should be included in the start view. This is an important
means of recording the transmittals of models both internally and for the wider
consultant design team. Your practice logo and an image of the specific project
can be added for easy identification of the individual project upon opening.

BIM Transmittal

No. Rev Date Notes

01 / 00.00.0000 Issue 1 - Design Team - WIP Architectural Model

<<< PROJECT IMAGE >>>

Image: Project by n. PRO Revit Template

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Title Blocks
The template should be populated with your practice’s title blocks that reflect your
standards and branding. Setting up the following title blocks: A1 landscape, A1
portrait, A3 landscape and A3 portrait in both titled and blank versions is a good
place to start.

The title blocks should have a range of integrated parameters that work with
the template and project browser to easily categorise each drawing. Integrated
parameters such as a scale bar, north sign, revision schedule and information
labels can be contained within your title blocks to allow changes to be made to
individual sheets quickly and easily from within your project. The naming and
numbering format can be set up such that this information can be scheduled and
placed on drawing issue sheets and drawing registers. Title blocks for drawing
registers and schedules should also form part of your library and be included in
the template.

We recommend placing all your standard title blocks on one sheet in your template
and filing it with the rest of your standards so that they are easy to see, select
and modify where necessary.

Image: Project by n. PRO Revit Template

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© Copyright 2021 Project by n.
 T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T

Graphic Standards
Once the above is all set up, the graphic standards can be added to the template.
The first place to start is your lines and filled regions. Revit has a standard set
of integrated line styles that cannot be deleted, but you can also add your own.
Remember to keep these to a minimum so that there is no repetition or confusion,
and follow a strict naming convention so that they can be easily found and their
properties easily identified.

Filled regions can be flat colours (opaque or transparent) or hatched. It is a good

idea of have a large selection of patterns and a carefully selected colour palette
available in your template to enrich your drawings and presentations.

Image: Project by n. PRO Revit Template

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 T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T

Materials
Your template should have a standard set of materials that will be used in every
project. Having a large number of materials leads to a larger than necessary file
size and it’s important to keep your template file as lean as possible. Keep this
material library to a maximum of 10-15 materials in your template so as not to
over load the file size with unnecessary information.

Additional materials can be contained in a separate library file in order not to

overload the template file and keep the file size to a minimum.

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View Templates
View templates are essential for the control of graphic output from Revit. A series
of view templates should be provided for each set of plans, sections, elevations
and 3D drawings. Inevitably, view templates will need to be tweaked or updated
to suit the individual project but the standard view templates should be available in
the template. As always, a strict naming convention must be used to make their
purpose clear and avoid duplicates.

Filters are a useful way to override the graphic display and visibility of elements
that you select or that share common properties. A suite of filters that are
commonly used on projects should be integrated into the template set up.

Image: Project by n. Sample Revit Project

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 T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T

Template Tips
TIP #1: Watch the file size

Keeping file sizes in Revit to a minimum is a constant challenge as your project

progresses. As the first step in the creation of a new Revit model, your template
should be kept as lean as possible. Keeping your template to a minimum file size
while still packing it with all the essential information is a challenge. As mentioned
above, materials and families should be kept to a minimum in the template. In
the case of system families, such as walls, floors, ceilings and roofs, only a
reduced set of generic build-ups should be contained in the template file. We
recommend the use of a separate file that can be used as a content library for all
your Revit families and materials.

TIP #2: Create a separate content Library file

It is a good idea to keep a content library file that is separate from your template
file. Here you can house all the more heavy elements and families without over
burdening your template file and therefore your project with superfluous elements
and information.

Your content library file can include annotations, materials, families and system
families that are not communally used in every project. System families include
wall, floor and roof families. A brief descriptor would be useful to include
alongside the wall types. The elements in this file can be quickly and easily
dragged and dropped into your new project if and when you need it.

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TIP #3: Update your template on a regular basis

Your Revit template should not be a static file, but should evolve over time to
include new features and updates based on your projects or practices needs. The
template should also be tweaked to reflect changes in the industry as well updates
to the Revit software itself as new versions are released.

TIP #4: Visit projectbyn.com for more tips

For further information on Revit graphics and how to develop a Revit template and
see our free Revit Template Guide. Our detailed document showcases the key
elements and settings to include in your template based on our custom graphic
Revit template. It provides detailed descriptions of the functions of our integrated
view templates, parametric annotations and graphic elements. It also outlines tips for
how to adapt the template to your design practice standards where you may wish.

GET
OUR GUIDE

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 T E M P L AT E C H E C K L I S T

Template Tools VISIT

OUR SHOP
We have developed fully customised Revit Templates.

Our LITE Edition Revit Template is ideal for freelance architects, sole practitioners,
students and beginners. Our PRO Edition Revit Template has been developed
for architecture practices and has built-in features and tools for managing small to
large scale projects from conception through to final completion.

All our Revit Templates can be quickly and easily modified, updated or tweaked to
add any graphic elements specific to your architecture studio and standards.

Compatibility: Revit + Revit LT 2018 - 2023

Units: Metric + Imperial Versions

Revit PRO Template Revit LITE Template

Developed for Architecture Practices + Ideal for Freelance Architects + Small
Small to Large Scale Projects Scale Projects

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 ABOUT US

Project by n. is an architectural graphics studio specialising in the design of

elegant graphic solutions for architects + design professionals. Our objective
is to help architecture practices create beautiful drawings in Revit while
achieving efficiencies in the production of drawing information and in the
delivery projects from conception through to final realisation.

As architects ourselves, we have experience in working with architecture and

design studios that share our passion for producing beautiful graphic drawing
output and imagery.

Our full custom graphic revit templates are available to be purchased and
downloaded from our website:

p roj e c t by n. c o m

VISIT
OUR SITE

[email protected]

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© Copyright 2023 Project by n.