Design Options Terminology

Review terms, such as dedicated view and active option, to understand design options in the context of Revit LT.

Term Description
Main model The parts of the building model that are not defined using design options. The main model is the entire building model, excluding any design options.
Design option set A collection of alternatives that addresses a particular design problem, such as a lobby or a floor layout. See Create a design option set.
Design option One possible solution to the design problem. See Add one or more secondary design options and Working with Design Options.
Primary option The preferred design option in the design option set. The primary option has a closer relationship to the main model than secondary options. Elements in the main model and in the primary option can reference each other. Only one design option in a set can be the primary option. All other options are secondary. By default, each project view displays both the main model and the primary option for each set. See Promoting a Secondary Option to the Primary Option.
Secondary option A design option that is an alternative to the primary option in the set. Elements in a secondary option can reference elements in the main model. However, elements in the main model cannot reference elements in a secondary option. See Referencing Elements in Design Options.
Active option The design option that you are currently editing. See Edit a design option and Determining the Active Option.
Dedicated view A view that is dedicated to a specific design option. When this view is active or added to a sheet, Revit shows the design option along with the main model. See Dedicate views to a design option.