Revit is Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create comprehensive building models.
Unlike traditional CAD programs that focus on 2D drawings, Revit creates a complete digital representation of a building—including its geometry, spatial relationships, and technical information.
What makes Revit distinct is its parametric modeling capability. When you modify one element in your design, related components automatically update to maintain consistency throughout the project.
For example, changing a wall’s position will automatically adjust the connected floors, roofs, and building systems.
In today’s post, we’ll explore Revit’s essential features, its practical applications, and how it compares to AutoCAD for modern construction projects.
Let’s get to it.
What Is Revit and Who Uses It?
The construction industry has moved beyond basic drafting. Today’s buildings need teams to coordinate thousands of components—from structural beams to air conditioning ducts.
This is what is Revit used for.
Revit also works like a shared digital workspace. An architect in Sydney can design a room while an engineer in Melbourne checks if the air conditioning fits, and a contractor in Brisbane calculates material costs—all at the same time in the same model.
Here’s who uses Revit on a typical project:
- Architects plan spaces, choose materials, and set the overall design
- Structural engineers add beams, columns, and foundation systems
- MEP engineers route electrical wires, plumbing, and ventilation
- Construction teams check costs and plan building sequences
- Project managers track progress and coordinate changes
- Building owners review designs and track maintenance information
Each team member adds their own expertise to the model.
When an architect specifies a wall with a 2-hour fire rating, the contractor can immediately see what materials they need to order.
If a mechanical engineer needs more ceiling space for ducts, the electrical engineer can quickly find a new path for their wires.
The model becomes a database of building information.
Every door has a size and type, every pipe has a flow rate, and every light fixture has power requirements. Teams use this data to make decisions throughout the project lifecycle, from initial design through construction and into building maintenance.
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What Is the Difference Between Revit and AutoCAD?
We already understand what is Revit, now let’s understand how it differs from AutoCAD.
When you work in AutoCAD, you’re drawing lines and shapes that represent building parts—these are just lines on your screen, much like drawing on paper.
But in Revit, every time you add a wall or window, you’re placing an actual building component that knows what it is and contains important information about itself.
Think of it this way: in AutoCAD, if you draw four lines to make a wall, the computer just sees lines.
But in Revit, when you place a wall, the computer understands, “This is a wall—it has layers of materials, it’s 10 feet tall, it can hold weight, and it connects to the floor and ceiling.” This makes a big difference in how we can use these tools for different types of projects.
To sum it up, here are the Revit vs AutoCAD differences in how they work:
- Drawing vs Modeling AutoCAD works in 2D or 3D drawings that you view one at a time Revit builds a complete 3D model that you can view from any angle
- Changes and Updates AutoCAD needs you to update each drawing separately Revit updates all views and schedules automatically when you make changes
- Information Storage AutoCAD stores geometric data about lines and shapes Revit stores building data like materials, costs, and specifications
- Project Organization AutoCAD manages separate drawing files Revit keeps everything in one project file that teams share
Many firms use both programs. They might draft details in AutoCAD, then bring them into Revit for the main building model. Or they’ll use Revit for the building design, then export details to AutoCAD for contractors who prefer traditional drawings.
Revit for Architects
We already know about what is Revit and how it differs from AutoCAD. Now you might be wondering What is revit software used for? How do each different professional use it?
Architects use Revit throughout their design process, from early sketches to final documentation.
The software helps them test ideas, check building rules, and share their vision with clients. Instead of working across multiple programs, architects can handle most tasks within Revit, making their workflow smoother.
Design and Documentation
Architects start with basic shapes in Revit to explore their ideas.
They can quickly try different layouts and see how spaces flow together. As the design develops, they add more detail like doors, windows, and interior features. Revit helps create all the documents needed for council approval and construction, from floor plans to building sections.
Analysis
During design, architects need to check if their buildings will work well.
Revit can study how sunlight moves through spaces throughout the day. It calculates room sizes to make sure they meet building codes. The program also helps track project costs by measuring areas and counting materials.
Visualisation
Architects use Revit to show clients what their buildings will look like.
They can walk through the 3D model to experience spaces before they’re built. The program creates realistic views with materials, lighting, and shadows. These visuals help clients understand the design and make decisions with confidence.
Multidiscipline Coordination
Buildings need more than just architecture to work.
Revit helps architects work with engineers and builders in the same model. They can see where structure and services fit within their design. When changes happen, everyone knows about them straight away. This teamwork helps create better buildings with fewer problems during construction.
Revit for Structural Engineers
Structural engineers use Revit to design the bones of a building.
The software helps them work out where beams, columns, and walls need to go to keep the building standing strong. They can see their structural systems in 3D and check if they work with the architect’s design and building services.
Reinforcement Detailing
Engineers use Revit to show where steel bars go inside concrete elements.
They can add reinforcement to beams, columns, and slabs right in the model. The program helps calculate how much steel is needed and creates clear drawings for builders on site. When designs change, the reinforcement adjusts to match.
Construction Documents
Revit turns structural designs into drawings that builders can use on site.
The program creates detailed plans showing beam sizes, connection types, and foundation details. Engineers can add notes and dimensions that update automatically when the design changes. This makes it easier to keep construction documents accurate and up to date.
Structural Analysis
Engineers check if their designs are strong enough using Revit.
The program connects with analysis software to test how buildings react to loads like wind and earthquakes. They can see where structures might need extra strength and make changes quickly. This back-and-forth between design and analysis helps create safer buildings.
Linking With Steel Fabrication
Revit helps engineers work directly with steel fabricators.
They can model steel connections in detail and send this information to fabrication software. This link means steel members can be made exactly as designed. It reduces errors between the engineer’s design and what gets built in the workshop.
Revit for Designers and Contractors
Designers and contractors bring buildings from plans to reality.
They use Revit to understand how building parts fit together and plan how to build them. The software helps them spot problems early and work out solutions before construction starts on site.
Integrated Design
For designers, Revit transforms abstract concepts into detailed digital models, while contractors see the same model as a precise construction blueprint.
When an architect adjusts room layouts or refines design elements, contractors immediately see updated material quantities and construction sequences. This two-way connection ensures that design decisions align with construction requirements from the start of each project.
Analysis
Designers explore multiple options through Revit’s simulation tools, testing how different design choices affect building performance.
Meanwhile, contractors use these same analysis features to evaluate construction methods, calculate material costs, and plan installation sequences. From sunlight studies that influence window placement to structural analysis that guides construction planning, every insight helps teams make better decisions.
Documentation
Beyond basic drawings, Revit generates contractor-specific documentation like material takeoffs, assembly details, and installation guides.
Each construction document updates automatically with design changes, maintaining accuracy between architectural intent and building requirements. This accuracy helps contractors estimate costs confidently and keeps projects running smoothly from foundation to finish work.
Fabrication
Contractors turn design data into actual building components using Revit’s detailed fabrication tools.
The software provides manufacturers with exact specifications for everything from structural steel to mechanical systems, ensuring each piece fits correctly on site. This precision in fabrication planning helps avoid costly field modifications and keeps construction moving according to schedule.
Revit Pricing
Autodesk offers different ways to use Revit based on your needs.
You can pay monthly, yearly, or for three years at a time. The longer you commit, the less you pay overall.
A monthly subscription costs USD 350. This gives you flexibility if you only need Revit for short projects. Yearly subscriptions cost USD 2,810, which saves money compared to paying month by month. The three-year option brings the cost down further to USD 7,650.
Students and teachers can get Revit for free with an education licence. This helps them learn the software while studying. The education version works the same as the full version but adds a watermark to drawings.
Companies often buy network licences when multiple people need to use Revit. This lets them share licences across their team. The cost depends on how many people need to use Revit at the same time.
However, it’s always advisable to check Revit official pricing page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information on pricing options and any discounts that may be available.
It’s also worth noting that Autodesk provides different pricing for different regions. That’s why it’s always recommended to check the pricing specific to your location through the official page.
More on Interscale Education Blog: AI in Construction: Popular Use and Benefits in 2024 and Beyond
Get Started With Revit
Now you understand what Revit can do—from designing intelligent building models to transforming how teams collaborate. Master these powerful tools and turn this understanding into professional-grade skills that employers demand.
Interscale Education brings an Australian-class training experience right to your screen:
- Weekly live classes and Q&A sessions with expert trainers
- 24/7 access to 100+ course materials
- Flexible, self-paced learning to fit your schedule
- International certification upon completion
- Customizable training plans for your career goals
Learn alongside fellow designers and industry experts in our supportive learning environment. With over 60 years of industry experience, Interscale Education delivers Australian-class training that prepares you for real-world success.
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