Creating a ceiling in Autodesk Revit is a fundamental process used to enclose spaces above a specific level. You can typically create ceilings using either an automatic method for detected rooms or by sketching a boundary.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Accessing the Ceiling Tool
To begin creating a ceiling, you need to access the dedicated tool:
- Go to the Architecture tab on the Ribbon.
- In the Build panel, find and click on the Ceiling tool.
Choosing Ceiling Type and Height
Once the tool is active, you'll need to define the properties of the ceiling:
- Look at the Properties palette.
- Here, you can select the desired ceiling type from the Type Selector dropdown (e.g., Gypsum Wallboard, Acoustical Ceiling Tile).
- Specify the Height Offset from Level, which determines how high the ceiling will be placed above the current level.
Placing the Ceiling: Automatic or Sketch
Revit offers two primary methods for placing a ceiling:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic Ceiling | Revit automatically detects enclosed rooms or areas. You hover over the space, and a boundary appears. |
| Sketch Ceiling | You manually draw the boundary lines for the ceiling using drawing tools (lines, rectangles, circles, etc.). |
Using the Automatic Ceiling Method
This is often the quickest method if your rooms are properly enclosed by walls.
- After selecting the Ceiling tool, ensure Automatic Ceiling is selected in the contextual tab or Options Bar.
- Hover your cursor over an enclosed area or room on your plan view.
- Revit will detect the boundary of the enclosed space. As described in the reference, a red boundary shows up.
- That's the moment to place the ceiling by just clicking. Click inside the red boundary.
Potential Visibility Issues
After placing the ceiling, you might observe that nothing seems to have visually changed in your current view, especially if you are in a typical floor plan. As noted in the reference, it says here none of the elements are visible in the floor. This is a common occurrence because default floor plan view ranges often cut through the building below the ceiling level.
- To see the ceiling properly, it is best to view it in a Reflected Ceiling Plan or a Section view. Reflected Ceiling Plans are specifically configured with a view range designed to show elements above the cut plane, looking upwards.
Using the Sketch Ceiling Method
If the automatic method doesn't work (e.g., the area isn't fully enclosed) or you need a non-standard ceiling shape, use the Sketch Ceiling method:
- After selecting the Ceiling tool, choose Sketch Ceiling in the contextual tab or Options Bar.
- Use the drawing tools in the Modify | Create Ceiling Boundary tab to draw the perimeter of your desired ceiling. The boundary must be a closed loop.
- Click the Finish Edit Mode (green checkmark) button to create the ceiling based on your sketch.
Understanding these steps allows you to effectively add ceilings to your Revit model, whether using the quick automatic placement over detected areas or by manually sketching custom shapes.
For more detailed information on creating ceilings in Revit, you can refer to the official Autodesk documentation on Placing a Ceiling (Link is for general reference, actual link may vary by version).
