To orbit a 3D view in Revit, you typically use the navigation wheels, specifically the Orbit tool, which allows you to rotate the model around a central point.
Using the Navigation Wheel to Orbit
The most direct method to orbit your 3D model in Revit involves displaying and utilizing the navigation wheels. These wheels contain various tools, including the Orbit function, which is specifically designed for rotating your perspective around the loaded model.
Here are the steps to orbit using the navigation wheel, directly incorporating the method described:
- Display a Navigation Wheel: First, you need to make either the View Object wheel or the Full Navigation wheel visible in your 3D view. These can usually be accessed from the Navigation Bar or the View tab.
- Select the Orbit Tool: Once a wheel is displayed, click and hold down the Orbit wedge on the wheel. As you do this, your cursor will change to the Orbit cursor, indicating the tool is active.
- Rotate the Model: While holding down the mouse button, drag your pointing device (mouse) around in the view. This action will rotate your 3D model, allowing you to see it from different angles.
- Release to Finish: When you are satisfied with the new orientation, release the button on your pointing device. The Orbit tool will deactivate, and the navigation wheel will remain displayed (or disappear, depending on your settings), ready for you to select another tool.
What is Orbiting?
Orbiting is a fundamental navigation technique in 3D modeling software like Revit. It involves changing your viewpoint so that you rotate around an object or the center of the view, much like satellites orbit a planet. This is distinct from panning (moving sideways) or zooming (moving closer or further away).
Practical Tips for Orbiting
- Orbiting is crucial for inspecting all sides of your building model, checking connections, and visualizing the design from various perspectives.
- The point around which the orbit rotates is often determined by the current view center or a selected object, though specific tools or settings might allow you to change this pivot point.
- Practice combining orbiting with other navigation tools like Pan and Zoom for efficient exploration of your 3D models.
Understanding how to effectively orbit your 3D views is essential for navigating and presenting your designs in Revit. By following the steps above using the navigation wheel, you can easily rotate your model to gain the desired perspective.
