A BIM Toolbox of Time-Saving Tips and Shortcuts

Hello, BIM enthusiasts!

As we dive into the intricate world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), we’re not just architects, engineers, and construction professionals—we’re also BIM ninjas, wielding our digital katana blades to slice through inefficiencies! ??

So, grab your hard hat, and let’s explore some BIM hacks that’ll make your projects smoother than a freshly poured concrete slab:

Master the Dynamo Dynamo:

• Take your automation game to the next level with Dynamo, a visual programming tool for Revit. Script repetitive tasks, create custom elements, and streamline workflows. Even basic Dynamo skills can save you hours!

Leverage Family Parameters:

• Want to create dynamic families that adapt to project needs? Utilize family parameters to control geometry, materials, and even schedules. This reduces duplication of effort and ensures consistent updates across your model.

Revit Lookup Tables - Your Hidden Weapon:

• Don't underestimate the power of Lookup Tables! Define complex relationships between parameters and automate data populations in schedules, tags, and annotations. It's a game-changer for managing intricate project information.

Utilize the Power of Worksets:

• Enhance collaboration and isolate specific project areas with Worksets. This allows team members to focus on their assigned sections without modifying others' work. Worksets also facilitate centralized control and versioning.

Keyboard Shortcuts for the Win:

• Keyboard shortcuts are your secret BIM weapons! Mastering these time-savers allows for rapid navigation, selection, and modification of elements. Invest some time in learning them – your fingers will thank you!

Group Therapy:

• Element Bonding: Group elements like a matchmaker bringing lonely beams together. Select related objects, hit “GR,” and watch them form a harmonious union.
• Clash Avoidance: Prevent clashes like a BIM superhero. Group clashes analyze, and resolve—because nothing says “teamwork” like avoiding a duct vs. pipe showdown!

Visibility Magic:

• Override All Obstacles: Use visibility overrides to reveal hidden gems. Show structural framing in plan views without cluttering your space like a hoarder’s attic. ??
• View Templates: Create view templates like a BIM wizard. Save settings, apply them across views, and watch your project transform from chaos to clarity.

Quantum Takeoffs:

• Schedule Sorcery: Automate quantity takeoffs with schedules. Count doors, windows, and light fixtures faster than a caffeinated estimator.
• Material Alchemy: Assign materials wisely. Revit’s material takeoffs are like turning lead into gold—except it’s concrete into cost estimates!

BIM 360 Shortcuts: ??

• Navigate Warp Speed: BIM 360 offers shortcuts for intergalactic navigation. Zip through folders, sheets, and models like a starship captain on a mission.
• Document Jutsu: Efficient document management is our secret weapon. Rename files, version up, and collaborate—because organized files are cooler than a polar bear in shades.

Parameter Prowess: ??

• Shared Parameters: Create shared parameters like a data sorcerer. Whether it’s tracking occupancy loads or cataloging unicorn sightings (hey, we don’t judge), shared parameters keep your data consistent.
• Type vs. Instance: Know the difference between type and instance parameters. It’s like distinguishing between identical twins—type parameters affect the whole family, while instance parameters are the quirky siblings.

Family Feud:

• Custom Families: Build custom families with love and care. Like nurturing a bonsai tree, create families that adapt to your project’s unique needs.
• Nested Families: Nest families are like Russian dolls. Place a chair inside a table, and suddenly, your furniture is a cozy family reunion.

Phasing Phantasmagoria:

• Phasing Magic: Master phasing like a time-traveling architect. Show existing, new, and demolished elements dancing through the ages.
• Phase Filters: Customize phase filters to reveal or hide elements based on their temporal allegiance. It’s like having a secret handshake with time itself.

Revit Groups:

• Group Therapy 2.0: Beyond element grouping, use Revit groups for modular design. Create a group of rooms, slap on some parameters, and voilà—an instant apartment block!
• Ungrouping Wisdom: Sometimes, ungrouping is the path to enlightenment. Break free from the shackles of a group when individuality beckons.

Remember, fellow BIM warriors, these shortcuts aren’t just keystrokes—they’re the secret scrolls that unlock BIM excellence! So, go forth, wield your shortcuts, and build structures that’ll stand the test of time (and client meetings).

Until next time, keep your BIM blades sharp and your humor even sharper! ??

Yours in 3D coordinates, The BIM Engineers