By Dennis Collin
For some years Autodesk has released a 'Lite' version of Revit (or Revit LT), I often get asked about Revit LT’s capabilities and whether users can achieve their task with Revit’s lite sibling. Revit LT is intended for smaller, mainly Architectural practices where engineering functions or multi discipline working or collaboration are not required.
Although it includes functions like Phasing, Design Options, Area Plans and some site tools it does lack some features from the following areas and is therefore not suitable for structural, mechanical, electrical, or piping engineers. Revit LT is intended for smaller Architectural, single user projects and although you can link in CAD files and Revit models, there is no advanced copy/monitoring functions, worksharing or clash detection. It also lacks referencing or setting a shared coordinate system which is vital in any multi-discipline project. However, it is more than capable for small, isolated projects, new build, or renovation jobs. LT’s interface looks identical to the full version of Revit, but certain discipline specific functions are omitted including many structural components, HVAC and Piping.
The major differences and omissions have been listed here under discipline specific headings. It is not a comprehensive list but covers major elements that get discussed with customers.
General:
- Limited In-place Families (Can only model in-place walls)
- No View Filter functionality (although they can be applied via View Templates)
- No plug ins/extensions
- No Dynamo
- No ODBC Connection
Architectural:
- No Massing Elements (and all related items like patterned panels and no create 'element' from face option)
- No Create Stair by Sketch Option (although you can convert a component stair to a sketch and edit that!)
Structural:
- No Foundation Pads
- No Reinforcement tools
- No Framing Elevation View Types
- No Analytical Model Display
- No warped floor modelling tools (useful for ramps and site features)
- No Beam Systems (although individual beams can be placed)
- No Structural Plan view types
- No Column Schedule view types
Visualisation:
- No Decal Creation
- No in product Rendering (does possess cloud rendering capability)
Mechanical Electrical & Plumbing:
- No MEP, Pipes, Ducts or Cable Trays (and remember limited in-place family options)
- Limited electrical components just isolated sockets and light fittings
- No circuits or MEP systems
- No Panel Schedules
Collaboration:
- No Acquire or Publish Coordinates option with Linked Files
- No shared coordinate origin option for import or export of data
- No Support for Point Cloud data
- No option to setup or define Worksets
- No copy monitor or clash detection tools
- No IFC Export
- No PDF linking or import (although LT 2023 now includes PDF export)
Despite these omissions Revit LT remains a good product and provides a robust platform for any practice wanting a ‘gentle introduction’ to a coordinated approach in producing drawings, visuals and schedules. It also enables users to see and get introduced to an intelligent building model environment and be able to produce coordinated drawings, schedules and basic visuals. Much like its ‘lite’ companion products Inventor LT and AutoCAD LT, Revit LT provides a great deal of functionality of its more complete relation for a much-reduced price. Despite not having the full set of collaboration tools Revit LT 2023 does possess the ability to export to PDF formats natively and includes shared views for markup and comments. If, however the requirement is to frequently coordinate with other disciplines, work with structural components, pipework and ductwork, and need for add-ins and customisation then the full Revit application is required.
If working with scanned images or PDF files I would recommend looking at the Revit LT suite that includes AutoCAD LT. AutoCAD LT can convert vector-based PDF files to DWG formats which can then be referenced into Revit LT. AutoCAD LT also provides tools to fix problematic drawings, file corruption, layering and unit issues.
To find out more about Revit LT, Revit LT suite and other products contact one of the Cadline team on 0330 551 9420 or contact us on our live chat facility on www.cadline.co.uk/