Revit

How to Change Drawing Order in Revit?

Understanding the Drawing Order in Revit

The drawing order in Revit is essential for creating accurate and legible presentations of your designs. Items in a view can be layered on top of each other, affecting the visibility and appearance of different elements. Adjusting this order correctly ensures that the most critical elements stand out and that your drawings are easy to interpret.

Steps to Change the Drawing Order of Elements in Revit

Changing the draw order in Revit requires the use of specific tools designed for modifying element visibility in your drawings. Follow the steps below to adjust the drawing order to achieve the desired visual hierarchy:

1. Open the Desired View

Begin by opening the view where you want to change the drawing order. This could be any floor plan, elevation, or 3D view that displays the elements you wish to arrange.

2. Select the Elements

Click to choose one or more elements in your view that you want to modify. You can select multiple elements by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on each item.

3. Access the Modify Tab

Once you have made your selection, navigate to the Modify tab on the Ribbon. This tab provides various options and tools for editing elements within your project.

4. Locate the Arrange Panel

Within the Modify tab, locate the Arrange panel. This section houses the options for modifying the drawing order, such as bringing items to the front or sending them to the back.

5. Adjust the Drawing Order

Choose from the available options based on your needs:

  • Bring to Front: Use this option to place the selected element(s) in front of all other elements in the current view, ensuring they are easily visible.
  • Send to Back: This will move the selected element(s) behind all other items in the drawing, which could be useful for backgrounds or base elements.
  • Bring Forward: This option will move the element(s) one step forward in the drawing order, layering them just above other elements.
  • Send Backward: This allows you to move the selected element(s) one step back within the drawing order hierarchy.

6. Review the Changes

Once you have made your adjustments, review the drawing order in the view. If further adjustments are needed, repeat the process as required until the desired visual arrangement is attained.

Common Issues When Adjusting Drawing Order

Modifying the drawing order can sometimes present challenges. If elements do not appear to order as expected, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

– Ensure you are in the correct view, as changes in one view may not affect others.
– Check for any view-specific settings or overrides that may be impacting visibility.
– Make sure that the elements selected are not hidden or set to a visibility setting that conflicts with your intended changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if elements still overlap after adjusting the order?

If overlapping persists, check the element properties for visibility settings or overlapping geometry that requires resolution, such as adjusting the shape or redefining element boundaries.

Can I change the drawing order of elements in a 3D view?

Yes, the drawing order can be adjusted in 3D views just like in 2D views. Use the same steps to control the layering of elements to enhance clarity and visibility in your 3D models.

Is there a shortcut for changing the drawing order?

While Revit does not provide a default keyboard shortcut specifically for changing drawing order, users can customize keyboard shortcuts through the “Keyboard Shortcuts” editor in the Options menu for more efficient access.

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.