Increase your Revit productivity with Best Revit Plugins : Revit BIM plugins and Revit extensions for MEP

Introduction to Revit and Plugins

Autodesk Revit is a powerful, industry-leading software application primarily used for Building Information Modelling (BIM). Revit enables architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design, analyse, and document building systems in a collaborative, efficient, and integrated environment. It is widely recognized for its ability to support multidisciplinary design processes, including architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) design.

Revit stands out in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry for several key reasons:

Parametric Modelling: Revit operates on a parametric modelling platform, meaning that all elements in a project are interrelated. When you make changes to one part of the model, those changes automatically propagate throughout the design, ensuring consistency across plans, elevations, sections, and schedules.

Collaboration: Revit is designed with team collaboration in mind. Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, with changes being tracked and shared in real time. It is a crucial tool for multi-disciplinary teams, as it integrates all aspects of the building process, from architecture to MEP and structural design.

BIM Integration: Building Information Modelling (BIM) goes beyond traditional CAD drafting to create intelligent 3D models with embedded data, enabling more accurate simulations, cost estimates, and facility management tools. Revit allows users to generate 3D models that contain data-rich elements, offering benefits throughout the building lifecycle—from design and construction to operation and maintenance.

Documentation & Schedules: Revit automatically updates drawings, schedules, and quantities based on model changes. This ensures accuracy and reduces manual effort, making the creation of detailed construction documentation much faster and more reliable. While Revit is extremely powerful on its own, it doesn’t necessarily offer everything needed for every specific workflow. This is where Revit plugins come into play.

What are Revit Plugins?

Revit plugins (also known as Revit add-ins or extensions) are software tools that integrate with Revit to extend its functionality. They are designed to address specific needs or improve particular aspects of the Revit environment, such as automating tasks, enhancing visualization, providing additional analysis tools, or improving collaboration.

Plugins can be installed directly into Revit’s interface, and once integrated, they appear as new tabs, commands, or toolsets within the Revit environment. These plugins allow users to streamline their workflows, enhance Revit’s existing tools, and even perform tasks that would be difficult or impossible with Revit alone.

Here’s how Revit plugins add value:

Enhancing Revit’s Core Capabilities: While Revit is a comprehensive tool for BIM, certain tasks or processes may require specialized solutions that Revit doesn’t cover out-of-the-box. Plugins fill these gaps by offering niche tools and capabilities tailored to specific tasks. For example, a plugin might allow users to automate the creation of 3D models from 2D drawings, perform advanced MEP analysis, or integrate with other software for clash detection and resolution.
Customizing Workflows: Every firm or project may have its own unique requirements. Revit plugins enable professionals to customize workflows to suit specific needs. Whether you need to create custom schedules, integrate data from other systems, or automate time-consuming processes like clash detection, plugins provide tailored solutions for greater efficiency.
Increasing Efficiency and Productivity: Many Revit users struggle with repetitive tasks that take up valuable time. Plugins help automate these tasks, allowing users to work smarter, not harder. For instance, some plugins automate the process of renaming elements or create custom rules for managing families. Others offer batch processes that allow users to update or export large quantities of data without manual intervention.
Improving Collaboration and Communication: Revit plugins also facilitate collaboration within project teams. Many plugins are specifically designed to integrate Revit with other software tools used by various disciplines on a project (such as project management tools, cost estimation software, and rendering engines). This enhances communication, ensuring that project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors, are on the same page throughout the project lifecycle.
Specialized Features for Different Disciplines: Revit is used across various disciplines, including architecture, structural engineering, MEP engineering, and construction management. Plugins cater to the unique needs of each discipline. For instance, MEP engineers can use tools that simplify HVAC or electrical system design.
Cloud and Data Integration: With the increasing reliance on cloud technology and data-driven design, some Revit plugins integrate seamlessly with cloud-based platforms (like BIM 360) or other databases. This allows users to store, retrieve, and collaborate on models in real-time, even across global teams.

How Do Revit Plugins Work?

Revit plugins are typically developed using the Revit API (Application Programming Interface). The API is a set of tools and resources provided by Autodesk, which allows developers to create custom applications or add-ins that can interact with Revit’s native features. These plugins are then packaged into .DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files and can be installed into Revit through a straightforward installation process.

Once installed, the plugin becomes accessible from within the Revit interface, often appearing as a new button, tab, or command. Some plugins might also integrate with Revit’s Dynamo visual programming environment, allowing for even more advanced automation and customization capabilities without the need for extensive programming knowledge.

Some plugins are available directly through the Autodesk App Store, where they can be downloaded and installed easily. Others might be developed by third-party software companies or independent developers, and their installation may require specific setup steps or licensing.

Popular Revit Plugins to Enhance Your Workflow

1.BIM 360

Overview:

BIM 360, Autodesk’s cloud-based collaboration platform, integrates directly with Revit, enabling project teams to collaborate on a single model in real-time, no matter where they are located.

Features:

Cloud-based access for multiple users to work on the same project.
Real-time updates and issue tracking.
Integration with Revit for better data sharing and management.
Document management and version control for design changes.

Benefits:

BIM 360 is ideal for improving communication between stakeholders, facilitating coordination, and tracking the progress of projects, especially for remote teams or large-scale projects.

2. HydraCalc

Overview:

HydraCalc is a plugin developed specifically for hydraulic design and calculation within Revit, focusing on the plumbing and drainage system design. It is widely used by MEP engineers for efficient and accurate water system modelling and calculations. HydraCalc integrates seamlessly with Revit, offering engineers a solution that ensures compliance with local plumbing codes and regulations.

Key Features:

Plumbing System Calculation: HydraCalc allows engineers to perform calculations for water supplyand drainage systems directly within Revit.
Pressure Drop Calculation: It calculates the pressure drop across the system, helping in the design of more efficient plumbing networks.
Code Compliance: HydraCalc supports compliance with local plumbing standards and codes, such as the UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code)and IPC (International Plumbing Code).
Real-Time Integration: Hydraulics and pressure calculations are updated automatically as changes are made to the plumbing design in Revit.

Benefits:

Increased Accuracy: The plugin automates calculations and helps ensure the accuracy of hydraulic and pressure drop values, minimizing human error.

Streamlined Workflow: Engineers can complete calculations within the Revit environment, reducing the need for external software and improving coordination.

Code Compliance: HydraCalc ensures that designs meet necessary plumbing regulations, reducing the chances of rework and non-compliance issues.

3. Diroots

Overview:

Diroots.One is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline and optimize workflows for Revit users, particularly in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design. Diroots.One offers a set of powerful utilities that automate repetitive tasks, improve model efficiency, and enhance overall project coordination. With tools like SheetLink, Family Reviser, OneFilter, ParaManager, SheetGen, TableGen, Reordering, and PointKit, Diroots.One significantly enhances the productivity of Revit users across various design stages.

SheetLink: SheetLink is a tool that enhances the management of Revit sheets by facilitating the linking of Revit models to external Excel files. It allows users to export, modify, and update sheet data (such as sheet numbers, titles, and details) from Excel directly into the Revit project, eliminating the need for manual entry. This tool ensures accurate and consistent sheet data across multiple models and projects.

Benefits:

Simplifies sheet management.
Reduces the time spent on manual updates.
Improves coordination between design teams.

2. Family Reviser: The Family Reviser tool helps engineers and designers revise and update Revit families quickly and easily. It allows users to bulk edit parameters and properties of multiple families simultaneously, improving efficiency when managing a large number of families in the project. This tool helps maintain consistency and reduce errors during family revisions.

Benefits:

Streamlines family management and revisions.
Increases productivity by bulk editing families.
Ensures uniformity across families in the project.

3. OneFilter: OneFilter is a powerful filtering tool that enables users to quickly filter and sort Revit elements based on specific parameters. Whether it’s filtering MEP components, families, or view types, this tool allows users to quickly locate the required elements, improving navigation and design accuracy. It saves valuable time by simplifying the search process within large projects.

Benefits:

Improves model navigation.
Filters elements based on parameters for quick access.
Enhances workflow efficiency and reduces errors.

4. ParaManager: ParaManager is a tool designed to manage Revit parameters with ease. It enables users to edit, update, and synchronize parameters across multiple Revit families and elements. This tool is especially useful when working with complex MEP systems, ensuring that all parameters are consistent and up-to-date, which is critical for model accuracy and performance.

Benefits:

Ensures consistency of parameters across the model.
Simplifies parameter management for MEP systems.
Reduces the risk of errors in system configurations.

5. SheetGen: SheetGen is a tool that automates the generation of Revit sheets for MEP documentation. It helps create detailed, organized layouts by automatically generating sheets with the required views and annotations. This tool improves the overall workflow and reduces the time spent on preparing drawing sheets for construction or client presentations.

Benefits:

Automates sheet creation and reduces manual work.
Ensures accurate and consistent sheet layouts.
Saves time and increases efficiency in the documentation process.

6. TableGen: TableGen simplifies the creation of schedules and tables in Revit. This tool automates the generation of MEP schedules, such as equipment lists, material schedules, and system summaries. By allowing users to quickly generate tables with the correct data, TableGen helps streamline the process of documentation and ensures that all schedules are up-to-date.

Benefits:

Automatically generates schedules and tables.
Saves time in the documentation phase.
Ensures accurate and updated schedules throughout the project.

7. Reordering: The Reordering tool allows users to easily reorder and restructure elements in their Revit project based on specified parameters. Whether it’s reordering systems, equipment, or components, this tool helps ensure that elements are organized logically and efficiently. It simplifies the process of organizing the project model for better visualization and presentation.

Benefits:

Improves model organization and clarity.
Helps reorder elements for better project presentation.
Increases overall project coordination.

8. PointKit: PointKit is a tool that assists with coordinate management in Revit, especially when working with multiple building systems. It allows engineers to create, track, and manage points (reference points or structural markers) within the model. PointKit ensures that design elements are aligned correctly in 3D space and accurately reflect the overall design intent.

Benefits:

Improves coordination between building systems.
Ensures accurate placement of components using reference points.
Enhances alignment and spatial accuracy in complex projects.

4.pyRevit

Overview:

pyRevit is an open-source plugin that empowers MEP engineers (and other Revit users) to extend Revit’s functionality through Python scripting. Unlike specialized MEP plugins, pyRevit offers a broader suite of tools for automation, customization, and workflow enhancement within Revit. Its flexibility makes it a valuable tool for automating repetitive tasks, creating custom workflows, and integrating other tools into Revit.

Key Features:

Automation: pyRevit enables the automation of repetitive tasks within Revit using Python scripts. For example, it can automate batch processing, sheet generation, or parameter management.
Custom Tools: Users can create custom tools and extensions that are specific to their MEP workflow needs. pyRevit also provides access to a rich set of pre-built tools and scripts.
Enhanced Productivity: It significantly boosts productivity by automating common tasks that would otherwise be manual, such as creating families, generating reports, or adjusting system parameters.
Integration with Dynamo: pyRevit works seamlessly with Dynamo(a visual programming tool in Revit), allowing for more advanced scripting and automation possibilities.

Benefits:

Increased Efficiency: pyRevit automates time-consuming processes, allowing MEP engineers to focus on design and analysis rather than manual tasks.
Customizability: Since it’s open-source, pyRevit offers endless opportunities for custom workflows, tailored to specific project needs.

Open Source: The community-driven nature of pyRevit means that it is continuously updated and improved, with many resources and scripts available online to help engineers integrate it into their workflows.

5.Birdtool

Overview:

BirdTool is a powerful Revit plugin designed to enhance clash detection and annotation processes for MEP engineers. Specifically created for improving coordination and collaboration within the Revit environment, BirdTool allows engineers to detect and resolve potential conflicts between MEP systems, structural elements, and architectural components in real time.

Key Features:

Real-Time Clash Detection: BirdTool’s real-time clash detection helps MEP engineers identify conflicts between systems as they are working on the Revit model. It automatically scans for clashes, both hard (physical overlaps) and soft (spatial conflicts or proximity issues), between MEP components, structural elements, and architectural features. By detecting these conflicts early, BirdTool ensures that potential problems are addressed before they cause delays or cost overruns.
Annotation and Markup: With BirdTool, engineers can easily annotate the model directly within Revit. When a clash or issue is detected, users can add detailed annotations to the model, which can be used to communicate the problem to team members. These annotations are crucial for cross-discipline collaboration and help streamline the resolution process by providing clear guidance on how to fix the issue.
Intelligent Clash Reporting: BirdTool generates detailed clash reports that highlight all detected issues and provide an easy-to-follow analysis. The tool’s reporting features ensure that all project stakeholders can review and address clashes efficiently. The clash reports are exportable, allowing for better collaboration and decision-making across teams.
Real-Life Clash Detection: BirdTool focuses on detecting real-life clashes that account for practical considerations like minimum clearance requirements and maintenance access. This makes the tool especially useful for MEP engineers who need to ensure their designs not only fit within the architectural space but also comply with real-world operational constraints.
Automated Clash Detection: Birdtool’s real-time clash detectioncontinuously monitors the Revit model as the design is being developed. As MEP engineers place or modify elements in the model (e.g., HVAC ducts, piping, electrical systems), Birdtool automatically checks for conflicts or overlaps with other components within the same system or between different systems (e.g., MEP vs. structural or architectural elements).

Benefits:

Efficient Clash Resolution: Detecting and resolving clashes in real time helps reduce errors and ensures smoother project execution by avoiding costly rework during construction.
Time and Cost Savings: BirdTool saves both time and money by identifying issues early, preventing delays, and minimizing the need for last-minute design changes.
Enhanced Collaboration: By enabling clear and easy annotation, BirdTool fosters better communication between MEP engineers, architects, and structural teams, ensuring everyone stays aligned throughout the project.
Optimized Design Quality: Real-life clash detection ensures that MEP systems are not only clash-free but also designed to meet practical operational requirements, leading to more efficient, buildable, and functional systems.