2 Ways to Use Revit Shortcuts (With PDF Sheet)

Revit shortcuts are keyboard keys or key combinations that you can press to activate different commands or tools in Revit. They help you work faster and more efficiently by reducing the number of clicks and mouse movements you have to make.

Here is a list that architects use to create models and documents. Read on to learn how to use them and how to create your own combinations.

The easiest way to get into the habit of using shortcuts is to print them out and stick them somewhere on your desk, although some users prefer to sacrifice 50% of the screen space to avoid unnecessary visual effort.

Method 1 – Multiple Windows

Details: Use your desktop to practice using hotkeys.

Steps

1. Open the guide document in a new window.
2. Press Win + right arrow on the keyboard.
3. Open the Revit window.
4. Press Win + left arrow on the keyboard.

Method 2 – User Interface Guiders

Details: Use the ALT key method only as a cursor-alternative to explore and navigate the user interface.

Steps

1. In a viewport, press ALT.
2. Use the small hotkeys on the tabs and the Quick Access Toolbar to navigate.

For example, to insert a door family: Press ALT > press A (Architecture tab) > press D (Doors).

Keep an eye on your printed sheet to speed up your workflow over time. Eventually, you’ll have a set of favorite shortcuts that you can easily recall.

Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Details: Add keyboard shortcuts to Revit.

Steps

1. Go to the View tab > drop-down User Interface menu
2. Click Keyboard Shortcuts (shortcut: KS).
3. In Search, type the command name.
4. Select the command in the list.
5. Press one or more keys for command assignment.
6. Click Assign > Click OK.

To remove a shortcut, press the Command key in the Shortcuts panel > click Remove.

✨ Tip: Press the arrow keys to cycle through the commands displayed in the status bar. After entering the command keys, press the space bar. Grayed-out system shortcuts cannot be changed.

There are many options available when editing shortcuts. The same command can have multiple keys, and the same shortcut can be used for multiple tools.

Pick Lines Hotkey

1. Press “KS” to open the Keyboard Shortcuts window.
2. Search for “pick lines”.
3. Select a command from the list.
4. Press “QQ” on the keyboard.
5. Click Assign.
6. In the Duplicate Shortcuts window, click OK.
7. Select other commands one at a time to assign “QQ” to them > Click OK.

Sync Model Hotkey

1. Press “KS”.
2. Search for “Sync”.
3. Select Synchronize with Central commands.
4. Press “SWC” keys on the keyboard.
5. Click Assign.
6. Select the same command again.
7. Press “SYNC” keys on the keyboard.
8. Click Assign.
9. Click OK.

These are two different ways to assign keyboard shortcuts to the commands. I have assigned (QQ) for selecting lines in all the different editing modes and (SWC) or (SYNC) for synchronizing with the central model.

Have you assigned any new keys to improve a specific task? Which of the existing ones is your favorite? Mine is “BX“.