Revit

How to Paste to Original Coordinates in Revit?

Understand the Paste to Original Coordinates Command

Revit offers powerful tools for copying and pasting elements between different projects or views, especially when maintaining their exact position is necessary. The "Paste to Original Coordinates" feature ensures that when you transfer elements, their initial locations remain unchanged. This is particularly useful for complex models or when working across multiple views.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Paste to Original Coordinates in Revit

Step 1: Select Your Elements

Begin by opening the Revit project that contains the elements you wish to copy. Use your mouse to select the objects you want to move. You can select multiple items by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on each element.

Step 2: Copy to Clipboard

Once you have your desired elements selected, copy them by either pressing “Ctrl+C” on your keyboard or by navigating to the Modify tab in the ribbon. Look for the Clipboard panel and click on the Copy icon. This action places the selected elements in the clipboard for later use.

Step 3: Open the Target Project or View

Next, switch to the project or view where you want to paste the copied elements. This could be a different project file or another view within the same project, such as a floor plan or 3D view.

Step 4: Paste to Original Coordinates

To paste the elements back in their original coordinates, go to the Modify tab and find the Clipboard panel again. Click on the drop-down arrow located under the Paste command. From the options presented, select “Paste to Original Coordinates.” This will place the copied elements exactly where they were in the source project, regardless of the current view or position in the target project.

Step 5: Verify and Adjust Placement if Needed

After pasting, it’s good practice to verify that the elements have appeared as expected. You might need to change the view to confirm that the elements are in the correct spots. If any adjustments are necessary, you can carefully reposition or modify the pasted elements without losing their original coordinates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Objects Not Appearing: If the elements do not seem to paste correctly, check if they were successfully copied and that you are in the correct view or project environment.
  • Visual Overlaps: It may happen that pasted items overlap with existing elements. In such cases, you may want to adjust their position slightly to avoid confusion.
  • Elements Requiring Specific Views: Some elements may require a specific view to appear properly. Shift to 3D or another view type for a better overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I copy and paste elements from one family file to another?

Yes, you can copy elements from one family file and paste them into another, but be cautious as this might lead to compatibility issues depending on the elements’ types and parameters.

2. Is it possible to undo a paste command in Revit?

Yes. If you wish to undo a paste operation, simply press “Ctrl+Z” to revert the last action. This can be very handy if the pasted elements do not fit well within your design.

3. Are there limitations on the types of elements I can copy and paste?

Certain Revit elements, such as those with specific dependencies or references, may encounter issues during the copy and paste process. Always ensure that the elements are compatible with the target environment to avoid unexpected behavior.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.