How to Use Scope Boxes in Revit?

Understanding Scope Boxes in Revit

Scope boxes are essential tools in Revit that help manage the visibility and dimensions of various elements, such as grids, levels, and reference planes. By defining specific extents, scope boxes allow users to control which parts of the model are visible within a view, ensuring clarity and focus during the design process.

Setting Up a Scope Box

To effectively use a scope box in Revit, follow these steps:

1. Access the Scope Box Tool:

   • Navigate to the View tab in the ribbon and locate the Create panel. Click on the Scope Box option.

2. Configure Box Properties:

   • In the Options Bar, you will have the option to name your scope box. You can also specify its height if necessary.

3. Draw the Scope Box:

   • Once named, click on the upper left corner of your desired area to establish the starting point. Drag to the lower right corner to define the box’s size and shape.
4. Fine-tune in a 3D View:
   • If desired, switch to a 3D view to adjust the scope box’s dimensions and precise location for better visibility and accuracy.

How to Utilize a Scope Box

Scope boxes enhance the management of elements in specific views. Here’s how to utilize them effectively:

• Check Visibility: After creating a scope box, ensure that the elements within it are properly displayed in the desired views. You can do this by selecting the scope box and then checking its properties.

• Limit Elements with the Scope Box: Assign grids and levels to the scope box to control where these datum elements show up. This ensures they only appear in views that intersect with the scope box cutting plane.

Viewing and Managing Scope Boxes

To review the visibility settings of a scope box:

1. Select the Scope Box:

   • Click on the scope box you want to inspect.
2. Edit Visibility:
   • In the Properties palette, locate the “Views Visible” property and click Edit. A dialog will appear, listing all view types and names. You can see which views currently display the scope box and make adjustments as needed.

Resizing and Moving a Scope Box

A scope box can be resized or repositioned with ease. Here’s how:

• Resizing:

  1. Open a plan or 3D view and select the scope box.
  2. Grab the handles that appear around the box and drag them to resize. Be aware that if the cutting plane of a view no longer intersects the scope box, it will become invisible in that view.
• Moving:
  • Select the scope box and drag it to a new location while ensuring you maintain the necessary visibility settings for the elements it controls.

Hiding a Scope Box

If you need to hide a scope box from your view:

1. Select the Box:

   • Click on the scope box you wish to hide.
2. Access Hide Options:
   • Go to the Modify tab, then to the View panel. Click on the drop-down arrow for Hide in View and select Hide Elements. Alternatively, you can right-click the scope box and choose Hide in view Elements.

FAQ

1. Can I use scope boxes in linked models?
No, scope boxes defined in linked models cannot be viewed or utilized.

2. What kind of elements can I control with a scope box?
Scope boxes are specifically designed to manage visibility for datum elements like grids, levels, and reference planes that intersect with the scope box.

3. Why is the scope box property greyed out in my view?
This usually occurs due to issues with the crop boundary; if the crop boundary is hidden or not suitable, the property will be disabled. Check and adjust the crop boundary in your view settings.