Revit Visual Files, Not List Files.

Using Revit, you can efficiently pull multiple files by selecting 'Insert' at the top menu. This allows you to view items from a file in a row-and-column format, making it easier to find specific files within the Revit folder. Viewing desired files on a single drawing is often more practical.

Select your file, then choose a sub-file. Work through the list to identify which items need installing in your current Revit model. The typical file system below includes families, groups, and various types of information, which could be easier to manage in a standard visual format.

The simplest approach is to use a project folder in Revit, placing all required items into the visual section panel. This lets you see which members are needed, and by copying and pasting them into your project folder, you can efficiently begin designing with a complete list of items. Note that some family types in Revit aren’t easily found through this method but can be copied using a straightforward process. Refer to a typical model scenario for useful guidance in the future.

We used a standard list under STRUCT, which includes common items like drainage, fencing, floors, railings, repetitive details, roofs, staircases, and structural information RFI. This information can serve as a starting point for novice designers who may not be draughtsman or are structural engineers unfamiliar with AutoCAD and draw from boards. They can easily adapt by using visuals rather than relying solely on itemized lists. With folders organized efficiently, files can be quickly accessed and updated by the practice's CAD manager or by yourself, ensuring everything stays current and easy to modify.

From the list below consists of elements originally included in Revit's system and deeply embedded within its design framework. We have extracted these from architectural wall drawings and converted them into structural walls. This method is easier to use, requiring no changes, to the family itself for detail changes—it's a straightforward and user-friendly approach, especially for those with limited experience with Revit.

You can use groups in similar situations by moving files into your project folder; for example, with Revit, you can quickly modify elements like staircases or materials by pressing a button, allowing them to update instantly.

Soon, we'll review schedules containing a range of parameters to further enhance our structural models. In Revit, schedules are a powerful tool for organizing and calculating data associated with building elements. When a schedule already includes basic parameters such as length and width—often referred to as Pacific parameters—it can automatically calculate values like area and volume, streamlining the documentation process and reducing manual entry errors.

For more advanced calculations, such as determining the bending moment based on length and applied load, we can expand the schedule by adding these parameters directly. This not only improves the accuracy of our analysis but also prepares the model for more complex engineering tasks. Before setting up shared parameters, incorporating these calculation-based fields into the schedule allows us to tailor the information to the specific needs of our project. For instance, adding fields for forces, stresses, or material properties provides a more comprehensive understanding of each building component.

Calculations such as bending moment are best handled through Dynamo scripts, which offer flexible automation within Revit. By writing custom scripts, we can automate the process of updating these values as the design evolves, ensuring that our schedule remains current with the latest project changes. Once these parameters and scripts are integrated, they should be stored in your project folder, making it easy for you or the CAD manager to update, improve, or share them across multiple projects.

This approach not only saves time but also supports collaboration among team members, allowing everyone involved to access and contribute to the latest model data. As we continue refining this workflow, our aim is to simplify and accelerate complex calculations, making Revit more accessible even to those who may not have an extensive background in structural engineering or advanced modeling tools.

After thoroughly testing this process and assessing its benefits, we plan to publish another article on the Super to share our findings and best practices. This will provide step-by-step guidance for others interested in leveraging schedules and Dynamo scripts in their own Revit projects, further promoting innovation and efficiency in digital engineering workflows.

By Gary Knapper

Dated 1st May 2026