Grids
Grids are the setting-out lines for columns and structure, shown in plans, sections and elevations. Learn to lay them out, number them and control where they appear.
In this lesson you will
- Create numbered and lettered grids
- Dimension and equalise grid spacing
- Control 3D and 2D extents and bubbles
- Pin grids and use scope boxes
Why grids matter
Grids define where columns and structural walls go, and builders set out the building from them. Every discipline uses the same grids, so they must be accurate and stable. A common convention: numbers along one direction (1, 2, 3…) and letters along the other (A, B, C…), skipping I and O to avoid confusion with 1 and 0.
Creating grids
- 1Open a floor plan. Architecture › Grid (GR).
- 2Draw the first grid line; set its name to 1.
- 3Draw parallel grids — Revit auto-increments the name — or copy/array them at the structural spacing (e.g. 6000).
- 4Draw the perpendicular set and rename the first one to A.
Spacing and dimensions
Dimension grids with DI as a string. Click the EQ toggle to make spacing equal, and click the padlock on a dimension to lock a spacing. Delete working dimensions you don't need on the final drawing, or keep them on a dimensioned grid plan.
Extents and bubbles
Grids are 3D datums: they appear in every view they cross. Dragging the end circle changes the 3D extent (all parallel views); switching the grip to 2D changes it in this view only. Tick or untick the small box at each end to show the bubble.
On big projects, scope boxes control grid and level extents consistently across many views.
Pin them
Pin grids (PN) once agreed. If a structural engineer provides grids, they are often copied/monitored from their linked model so both models stay aligned — see the Workflows lesson.
Quick reference
| Command / tool | How to start it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Grid | GR | Creates grid lines |
| Aligned dimension | DI | Dimensions grids (EQ for equal) |
| Scope box | View tab | Controls datum extents |
| Pin | PN | Prevents accidental moves |
Common mistakes
Grid bubbles overlap in a view.
Use the Add Elbow grip on the grid end, or adjust 2D extents in that view.
Changing a grid end moved it in every view.
Toggle the extent to 2D for view-specific adjustments.
Exercise
A structural grid
- Create grids 1–4 at 6000 spacing and A–C at 7500.
- Dimension them and equalise spacing with EQ.
- Show bubbles at both ends of the numbered grids only.
- Adjust one grid's extent in 2D in one view.
- Pin everything.
You should end up with: A clean, pinned grid shown correctly in plans and elevations.
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Lesson quiz
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