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Revit API Guide

Welcome to the comprehensive Revit API documentation section. This collection provides in-depth guides, examples, and best practices for developing with the Revit API.

What is Revit API?​

The Revit API (Application Programming Interface) is a powerful toolkit that allows developers to create custom applications, automate tasks, and extend Revit's functionality. Whether you're working with Dynamo scripts, creating add-ins, or building standalone applications, the Revit API provides the foundation for advanced BIM automation.

🚀 Getting Started - Tutorial for Beginners​

Prerequisites​

Before diving into Revit API development, ensure you have:

  • Autodesk Revit installed (2020 or later recommended)
  • Basic Programming Knowledge (C# or Python preferred)
  • Dynamo for Revit (for visual programming approaches)
  • Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code (for C# development)

Your First Revit API Script​

Let's start with a simple example that demonstrates the basic structure of a Revit API operation:

# Python example for Dynamo
import clr
clr.AddReference('RevitAPI')
clr.AddReference('RevitServices')

from Autodesk.Revit.DB import *
from RevitServices.Persistence import DocumentManager

# Get the current Revit document
doc = DocumentManager.Instance.CurrentDBDocument

# Create a FilteredElementCollector to get all walls
collector = FilteredElementCollector(doc)
walls = collector.OfClass(Wall).ToElements()

# Output the number of walls found
wall_count = len(walls)
print(f"Found {wall_count} walls in the project")

Key Concepts Every Beginner Should Know​

  1. Document: The Revit model file you're working with
  2. Elements: Everything in Revit is an element (walls, doors, views, etc.)
  3. FilteredElementCollector: The primary tool for finding elements
  4. Transaction: Required wrapper for making changes to the model
  5. Parameters: Properties that store information about elements

Essential Revit API Workflow​

  1. Connect to the Revit document
  2. Collect elements using filters
  3. Process the elements (read/modify properties)
  4. Commit changes within a transaction
  5. Handle errors gracefully

📚 Specialized Guides​

Now that you understand the basics, dive deeper into specific areas of Revit API development:

🔍 Element Collection​

Master the art of finding and filtering elements in your Revit models. This comprehensive guide covers:

  • FilteredElementCollector fundamentals
  • Category and class-based filtering
  • Parameter value filtering
  • Geometric filtering (BoundingBox, intersections)
  • Performance optimization techniques
  • 35+ detailed filtering examples

→ Start with Element Collection

🖱️ UI Selection Methods​

Create interactive applications that respond to user input through various selection methods:

  • Single and multiple element selection
  • Face and edge selection
  • Custom selection filters
  • Advanced user interaction patterns
  • Best practices for user experience

→ Explore UI Selection Methods

🚧 Coming Soon​

We're constantly expanding this guide with more advanced topics:

📐 Geometry and Modeling (Coming Soon)​

  • Creating and modifying geometric elements
  • Working with curves, surfaces, and solids
  • Advanced geometric operations
  • Family creation and modification

🏗️ Structural Analysis Integration (Coming Soon)​

  • Working with structural elements
  • Analysis model creation
  • Load application and results processing
  • Integration with structural analysis software

📊 Scheduling and Documentation (Coming Soon)​

  • Automated schedule creation
  • Custom parameter management
  • Drawing sheet automation
  • Report generation

🔧 Advanced Add-in Development (Coming Soon)​

  • Ribbon interface creation
  • External events and modeless dialogs
  • Custom property panels
  • Integration with external databases

🌐 Web API and Cloud Integration (Coming Soon)​

  • Forge Platform integration
  • Cloud-based model processing
  • Real-time collaboration tools
  • Web-based visualization

💡 Getting Started Tips​

  1. Start Small: Begin with simple element collection tasks before moving to complex operations
  2. Use Dynamo: Great for prototyping and learning API concepts visually
  3. Read the Documentation: Always refer to the official Autodesk Revit API documentation
  4. Practice Regularly: The more you code, the more intuitive the API becomes
  5. Join the Community: Connect with other developers through forums and user groups

📖 Additional Resources​

Ready to start your Revit API journey? Choose a section from the sidebar and begin exploring the powerful capabilities of automating and extending Revit!