Starting a project
Good projects start with the right template and settings. Learn how Revit projects are created, what the template gives you, and how to save and back up safely.
In this lesson you will
- Create a project from a template
- Set project units and information
- Understand what a template contains
- Save, back up and version files safely
Templates
A project template (.rte) holds settings, not a building: units, view types and view templates, line styles, annotation families, loaded families (doors, windows), title blocks and sometimes predefined sheets. Start from Architectural Template (metric or imperial, depending on your install) or your office's template. Choosing the right template saves hours; a poor one means fixing every project by hand.
Create and set up
- 1File › New › Project; choose the template; select Project.
- 2Manage › Project Units (UN): length in millimetres, area in m², rounding as your office standard requires.
- 3Manage › Project Information: project name, number, client, address, status — these feed the title blocks.
- 4Manage › Location: set the site location for sun and energy studies.
- 5Save As with a clear name, e.g.
KW23-ARC-Model.rvt.
The Project Browser
The browser lists Views (by type), Legends, Schedules/Quantities, Sheets, Families and Groups. Right-click views to duplicate, rename or apply templates. Later you'll organise the browser to suit big projects (Project organisation lesson).
Saving and backups
Revit keeps numbered backups (Model.0001.rvt, .0002…) in the same folder on each save; set how many under Save As › Options (the default is a few). Revit also reminds you to save every so often.
Revit files can't be opened in older versions, and opening in a newer version upgrades them permanently. Agree the version with the team and keep a copy before upgrading.
Keep models off slow network drives when working alone; for teams, use worksharing (Advanced level).
Quick reference
| Command / tool | How to start it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Project Units | UN | Units for length, area, angle |
| Project Information | Manage tab | Project data for title blocks |
| Purge Unused | Manage tab | Removes unused families and types |
| Save As › Options | File menu | Backup count and preview |
Common mistakes
Starting from a construction template when you need architectural views.
Pick the template that matches your discipline and office standard.
Upgrading a team file by opening it in a newer version.
Check the project version first; keep a copy.
Exercise
Set up your practice project
- Create a new project from the Architectural Template.
- Set units to mm and m² with sensible rounding.
- Fill in Project Information for a fictitious client.
- Save as
KW-Revit-Practice.rvtand change the maximum backups to 5. - Look through the Project Browser and list which views exist.
You should end up with: A properly set-up project to use in the next lessons.
Checklist
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Lesson quiz
What does a project template contain?
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Free KitWren tools that help
- Area ConverterConvert square metres, square feet, acres, hectares and more.
- Length ConverterConvert between metres, centimetres, millimetres, kilometres, inches, feet, yards and miles.
- Concrete CalculatorCalculate the concrete needed for slabs, footings and post holes in cubic metres, yards and bags.
- Flooring CalculatorCalculate how much flooring, timber, laminate or carpet to buy, including waste and boxes.
- Merge PDFCombine multiple PDFs into one file, in any order, choosing which pages to include from each.
- Image CompressorCompress JPG, PNG and WebP images to make them much smaller — with a before/after preview and the size saved.
Free, independent learning material written for KitWren. Revit is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. KitWren is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Autodesk. We never provide software downloads, licence keys or cracks — use the official sources.