Video: Place PDF Files in Views

Use a PDF file as a reference in a model view.

This video demonstrates the following:

1. Place one page of a multi-page PDF file in a model view.
2. Resize the PDF file using Horizontal Scale and Vertical Scale.
3. Manipulate the PDF file using the same methods as for an image file.
4. Snap to lines or corners in the PDF file.
5. Place more pages from the same PDF file in the view.

Note: This video was recorded using Revit 2021. When using a newer software release, you may notice differences in functionality and user interface.

Transcript

You can import PDF files into a model and place them in 2D views to trace or to use as a reference.

In this case, we'll select one page of a PDF file and place it in the view to help create the first level of a building. Click InsertPDF and select the PDF file to place in the model. When you import the PDF file, you can use the Horizontal Scale and Vertical Scale to resize it. If you need to know the exact scale, enable snapping and use the Measure tool.

After the PDF file has been placed in the view, you can manipulate it in the same way as a raster image. You can trace over the PDF image, or, if the PDF file has vector data, you can snap to the corners or use the Pick Lines or Pick tools to aid in placement. Check Enable Snaps in the Properties palette.

You can place more pages from the same PDF file in the view. Click InsertPDF, select a page to place in the view and click OK.

Use imported PDF files as a reference to make it easier to build your model.