Understanding Design Options in Revit
Design options in Revit provide architects and designers with the flexibility to explore multiple solutions for a single design challenge. This feature allows the creation of numerous variations within a single project file, facilitating side-by-side comparisons and evaluations of different design elements before making definitive decisions.
Creating a New Design Option Set
- Access the Manage tab in the Revit interface.
- Navigate to the Design Options panel and click on the "Design Options" button.
- In the Design Options dialog, locate the “Option Set” section, then click on “New” to create a new design option set.
- After creating the set, you can rename it for easier identification. Select the newly created option set and click the “Rename” button to assign a more descriptive name.
- Within this set, you can establish a primary design option, which is the main focus of the design process. You can rename the initial option by selecting it and clicking “Rename” under the Option section.
Adding Walls or Elements to a Design Option
- Begin by selecting the walls or elements you wish to incorporate into the design option directly in the drawing area.
- Use the shortcut Ctrl+X to cut the selected elements.
- Return to the Manage tab and open the Design Options panel.
- From the drop-down menus, choose the design option to which you intend to add your previously cut elements.
- Finally, paste the elements using the Paste or Paste Aligned to Same Place option, ensuring they fit correctly in the new design option.
Incorporating Design Options into the Main Model
- Within the Manage tab, click on the Design Options panel.
- If you are currently working within a specific design option, click “Finish Editing” to ensure that you have completed your changes.
- Open the Design Options dialog and choose the design option set that contains the desired option you want to adopt.
- If the option you wish to use as primary is currently labeled as secondary, select it and click “Make Primary.”
- To finalize this option into the main project, click “Accept Primary.” This action will ensure that your selected design option integrates seamlessly into the main model.
Moving Elements Between Design Options
- Go to the Manage tab and access the Design Options panel.
- From the drop-down, select the target design option you want to move elements to.
- Cut the elements from their current location, again using Ctrl+X.
- Navigate to the selected design option where you want these elements to be placed.
- Use the clipboard’s Paste option, specifically selecting “Paste Aligned to Same Place” to ensure they align accurately in the new context.
Removing Design Options
- Click on the Manage tab and navigate to the Design Options panel.
- If you are currently editing a design option, select “Finish Editing” to exit that mode.
- Open the Design Options dialog and find the specific design option you wish to delete.
- Highlight the option and click the “Delete” button to remove it from the set. This action should only be performed if you are certain the option is no longer needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t accept a primary design option?
If you do not accept a primary design option, any modifications you made will remain separate from the main model. This means that these changes will not be integrated, and your project will not reflect the adjustments made in the design option.
Can I create more than one design option set?
Yes, you can create multiple design option sets within a single project. This allows for a variety of design scenarios to be explored, each with its own set of options for comparison and evaluation.
Is it possible to revert changes made in a design option?
Yes, you can revert or modify changes in a design option at any time by selecting the design option and making further edits. If the option has not been accepted into the main model, all changes will remain within that design option until you decide to integrate them.
