Place architectural columns in the model. Use the architectural columns or grid intersections to place structural columns.
This video demonstrates the following:
In Revit there are 2 kinds of columns: architectural and structural. Architectural columns are wrapped with materials if placed next to or inside a wall. Structural columns maintain their material properties no matter where they are placed. Structural columns also contain properties used for structural analysis.
Select the Column tool from the Home tab. Use the drop down list to specify if you would like to place an architectural column or a structural column. Then select the family type you would like to place.
Architectural columns are placed freely where you click. Standard snaps will allow you to position a column at a grid intersection or another location. The height of the column can be controlled as it is placed by specifying a value on the Options Bar. Note the material wrapping at columns placed near the intersection of the walls.
When placing structural columns, multiple columns can be placed at one time using the At Grids or At Columns options. For example if At Grids is used, select the grids you want to use for placement and finish the mode. A structural column will be placed at all grid intersections. If the At Columns option is selected a structural column will be placed at each architectural column.
Structural columns can also be placed slanted by selecting the slanted column placement option and then controlling the slant with the settings on the Options Bar.
In Revit projects, you can use architectural and structural columns independently or in combination.