Revit

How to Move Object to Coordinates in Revit?

Understanding Coordinates in Revit

Revit organizes its elements based on a coordinate system that includes both project coordinates and survey coordinates. Understanding how to navigate and manipulate these coordinates is critical for accurately placing and moving objects within your design.

Displaying Coordinates in Your View

To effectively move objects to specific coordinates, you first need to visualize your coordinate system:

  1. Access the relevant view by opening the desired floor plan or site plan.
  2. Navigate to the View tab on the ribbon.
  3. Locate the Graphics panel and select the Visibility/Graphics option.
  4. In the dialog box that appears, go to the Model Categories tab.
  5. Scroll down to find and expand the Site category.
  6. Enable visibility for the Project Base Point and Survey Point by checking their respective boxes. This will allow you to see both reference points in your view.

Adjusting Origin Points

To move objects accurately, understanding how to manipulate the Project Base Point is essential:

  1. Open a site plan or a view where both the Project Base Point and the Survey Point are visible.
  2. Click on the Project Base Point to select it.
  3. Utilize the Clip/Unclip tool – this allows you to set the point to a clipped or unclipped state, which determines its movement behavior.
  4. Drag the Project Base Point to your desired location, or enter specific coordinates directly as needed.

Placing and Moving Objects

Moving an object to a specific coordinate requires precise placement:

  1. Use the Architecture, Structure, or Systems tab to access the Place a Component tool.
  2. Select the object you want to place in your model.
  3. To position the object accurately, click on the desired location in your plan view.
  4. To ensure precision, you can use the Move tool:
    • Activate the move option by selecting the element.
    • Click on a starting point and move your cursor to adjust the position.
    • For precision, you can manually input the distance to move the object and hit Enter.

Resetting and Utilizing Shared Coordinates

When moving multiple elements or models, using shared coordinates creates consistency:

  1. Open the host model and navigate to the Manage tab on the ribbon.
  2. Click on the Coordinates drop-down in the Project Location panel.
  3. Select Reset Shared Coordinates to align your model and reset any discrepancies.

Relocating Projects

If you wish to relocate your entire project:

  1. Access the Manage tab and find the Project Location panel.
  2. Click on the Position drop-down and select Relocate Project.
  3. Graphically adjust the entire project by clicking and dragging in the view, much like using the Move tool but affecting the whole model.

Working with Lots and Boundaries

For specific projects like plotting a lot bearing:

  1. Begin by selecting the Lot Lines tool from the Site tab.
  2. Input the bearing directly or use coordinates for precision.
  3. You may work directly from a 2D plan or a 3D view depending on the level of detail required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can I verify the coordinates of an already placed object?
A1: Select the object and check the properties palette for its coordinates under the ‘Location’ settings.

Q2: Can I enter coordinates manually for object placement?
A2: Yes, coordinates can be input directly in the format of X, Y (and Z if needed) in your drawing environment.

Q3: What should I do if my object isn’t moving to the expected location?
A3: Ensure that you are in the correct view, verify that the base points are not clipped, and check your coordinate system settings for any discrepancies.

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.