by Dennis Collin
For some years Autodesk has released a 'Lite' version of Revit (or Revit LT), I am often asked about Revit LT’s capabilities and whether users can achieve their task with Revit’s lite sibling. I always answer that 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, and HVAC and Piping design.
Fig 1. Revit LT has no MEP and limited structural families, it also lacks reinforcement and analytical tools.
The major differences and omissions have been listed here under discipline specific headings. It is not a comprehensive list of limitations, but it does cover major elements that are often discussed with customers.
Core Technologies:
- 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 Scripting
- 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 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:
MEP:
- 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
Fig 2. When exporting to CAD, LT is unable to publish to shared coordinates. Instead, elements are saved to a local coordinate system.
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 function or clash detection tools
- No IFC Export
In recent years Revit LT has acquired the ability to Import or Link in PDF files for tracing or referencing purposes. It also shares the same PDF export functionality as it’s Full Revit cousin.
It also supports the new toposolid behaviour and folding floor tools also available in the full Revit product.
Fig 3. Revit LT 2025 can now reference NWD and PDF files unlike earlier versions of LT.
LT also possesses the ability to author and create shared views, which means that 2D or 3D views can be transmitted and viewed to anyone with an appropriate link and if necessary, add mark ups or comments.
Despite these limitations 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 2025 does possess limited collaboration capability by being able to export 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.
Fig 4. Revit LT is best suited for smaller single user Residential or Commercial Projects.
To find out more about Revit LT, Revit LT suite and other products from Autodesk and our own extensive product portfolio, contact one of the Arkance team on 0330 551 9420 or reach out to us on our live chat facility on https://arkance.world/gb-en