Revit Template: learn what it is, what it’s for, and how to use it!

Have you ever heard of a Revit template? Do you know what it’s for? How it works? If you are familiar with the BIM world, you’ve likely come across this term before.

The Revit template serves as the foundation for the entire BIM process, providing a standardized base that enhances efficiency and collaboration among professionals.

To help you better understand how the Revit template works, this article by Blocks will explain everything you need to know about it.

What is a Revit template?

A Revit template is a predefined project structure designed to streamline project development.

It includes various preset configurations that simplify workflows and enhance project efficiency.

This includes:

  • View settings
  • Floor plans
  • Symbols and indicators
  • Schedules
  • Customized sheets
  • Annotation styles
  • Families of objects and construction elements

What is a Revit template for?

Templates are essential for optimizing workflow, eliminating the need to manually configure each new project.

They allow users to quickly start projects with:

  • Predefined measurement units
  • Graphic styles and display settings
  • Pre-loaded families and standard elements

This ensures consistency across projects and significantly reduces setup time.

How to use a Revit template?

A Revit template acts as the starting point for new projects, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

To use a template in Revit:

  1. Create or select an existing template
  2. Customize it by adding essential components such as doors, windows, and furniture
  3. Configure standard settings like:
    • Measurement units
    • View templates
    • Sheet layouts
    • Annotation styles

For example, when starting a new architectural project, you can select a pre-configured architectural template with all necessary settings already in place.

This saves significant time as you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

What is the importance of the Revit template?

Why is a Revit template so essential? Here are a few key reasons:

Illustration of a construction process around a modern house, with people discussing projects, using virtual reality, and overseeing construction.

1. Standardization

A Revit template provides a consistent starting point for BIM projects, ensuring that all team members follow uniform guidelines.

This standardization improves workflow efficiency and team collaboration.

2. Increased Efficiency

A well-structured template minimizes repetitive tasks.

By pre-configuring common elements such as doors, windows, and walls, you can reduce modeling time and errors.

For example, using a Revit template can increase productivity by 20-40%.

  • A project that takes 100 hours without a template could be completed in 60-80 hours with one.
  • This means a 1.35x to 1.67x faster workflow.

3. Data Management

BIM is not just about 3D modeling—it’s also about integrating project data.

A well-configured Revit template helps with:

  • Organizing essential project parameters
  • Facilitating data analysis
  • Improving cost estimation

4. Quality Control

A template ensures adherence to company standards, reducing errors and improving overall project quality.

5. Flexibility & Adaptability

Even though templates offer a standardized starting point, they can still be customized for specific project needs.

6. Training & Onboarding

For firms adopting BIM workflows, a well-designed template serves as a valuable training resource, helping new team members quickly understand company standards.

7. Compliance & Regulations

Some projects must comply with strict industry regulations.

A Revit template can be configured to ensure compliance, reducing legal risks and ensuring project alignment with standards.

How to import a Revit template?

To import a Revit template, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Template: Ensure the template file is in “.rte” or “.rvt” format.
  2. Save the Template: Place the file in an easily accessible folder.
  3. Open Revit & Load the Template: Navigate to File > Open, select the template file, and click Open.

Once imported, your new template will be available in the Revit startup screen.

How to edit a Revit template?

Now that you know how to import a Revit template, it’s time to learn how to edit it to meet your needs. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the template

Go to File > Open, then select your desired template file.

2. Select the file

In the Manage tab, click Project Parameters to edit default settings.

3. Set parameters

Navigate to Visibility/Graphics Override to customize display settings for:

  • Floor plans
  • Sections
  • Elevations

4. Edit the template

Go to Additional Settings to define standard:

  • Text styles
  • Dimension styles

5. Analyzing the Parameters

In the tab that will open, you can edit all the parameters of your template as desired.

6. View and View Models

With the template parameters adjusted as desired, let’s move to the view and view models. After completing your edits, in the left menu of Revit, click “Edit” in the “Visibility/Graphics” category.

7. Set up the view

With the view tab open, you can set specific views frequently used, like floor plans and sections. This includes adjusting the scale, detail levels, and view styles for each type of view you want.

8. Styles, Text, and Dimension

Now, to edit styles, text, and dimensions, click “Additional Settings”.

9. Tags and Line Fill Styles

Here, you can load the tags used in annotations. Create and name fill patterns and line styles that make sense for your team. For example: Brick cut pattern instead of 1.5 mm diagonal.

10. Save the Edited Template

After making all the changes, save the file as a new template. This can be done by clicking “Save as” and selecting “Project Template” from the list of options.

By following the steps above, you can customize your Revit template as needed to meet your project’s requirements.

Plugin Blocks: access over 5,000 families!

Want greater practicality in your daily Revit projects? Then, learn more about Plugin Blocks.

If you model in Revit, you’ve likely spent hours searching for quality parametric families and probably felt frustrated.

Blocks offers a crucial tool for those working in Revit and needing practicality in their daily routine, providing over 5,000 BIM families.

Now, instead of spending time searching for low-quality families on the internet, with Plugin Blocks, you can find what you need in just a few clicks!

Blocks publicity to dowload Plugin Blocks

Conclusion

A standardized and well-structured Revit template is an essential step for any project team aiming for efficiency, accuracy, and quality in results.

This standardization not only ensures that all team members follow the same guidelines but also facilitates the integration of new collaborators.

With a well-defined Revit template, it is possible to minimize repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with specific industry regulations and standards.

Let’s not forget that consistent data management within BIM enables better analysis, scheduling, and cost estimation, resulting in effective management.

Therefore, throughout your Revit project, don’t forget to invest time in creating and maintaining templates.

Did you like this content? For more like this, follow the Blocks blog!

Want to see the Plugin Blocks families? Then, visit our website and download our tool for free today!

Notice: This article has been automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence.

Hello, I’m Marcos Miguel, 24 years old, brazilian and SEO Writer at Blocks®. I’ve always had a passion for writing, and discovering SEO was love at first sight. Currently, I’m studying Social Communication, specializing in Organizational Communication, at the University of Brasília (UnB). I enjoy sunny days, music, and good conversations with friends—qualities that inspire my writing to connect directly with the reader. I hope you enjoy the articles at Blocks®!

Seja Parte da Revolução BIM!​

Receba as últimas novidades do mundo da construção digital diretamente em sua caixa de entrada.

Ao clicar em enviar, concordo em receber comunicações de acordo com meus interesses. Saiba mais em política de privacidade.

Seja Parte da Revolução BIM!​

Receba as últimas novidades do mundo da construção digital diretamente em sua caixa de entrada.

Ao clicar em enviar, concordo em receber comunicações de acordo com meus interesses. Saiba mais em política de privacidade.

¡Sé parte de la Revolución BIM!

Recibe las últimas novedades del mundo de la construcción digital directamente en tu bandeja de entrada.

Al hacer clic en enviar, acepto recibir comunicaciones de acuerdo con mis intereses. Más información en la política de privacidad.

¡Sé parte de la Revolución BIM!

Recibe las últimas novedades del mundo de la construcción digital directamente en tu bandeja de entrada.

Al hacer clic en enviar, acepto recibir comunicaciones de acuerdo con mis intereses. Más información en la política de privacidad.

Be part of the BIM Revolution!​

Get the latest scoop on digital construction delivered to your inbox.

By clicking submit, I agree to receive communications based on my interests. Learn more in our privacy policy.

Be part of the BIM Revolution!​

Get the latest scoop on digital construction delivered to your inbox.

By clicking submit, I agree to receive communications based on my interests. Learn more in our privacy policy.