Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
Lesson Overview
This lesson explains why to use sections and elevations in a
set of building plans.
Software:
Autodesk® Revit® or higher
Time:
2 to 3 hours
Level:
Intermediate
Datasets:
Imperial included
Concepts Addressed
 Describe building sections and why they are used

List the information provided by an exterior elevation

Explain interior elevations and what they are used for
Learning Objectives
After completing this lesson you will be able to:

Create an elevation view

Create a section view

Navigate between elevation markers and elevation views

Create filled regions

Create material annotations

Create slope annotations

Place a section or elevation view on a sheet

Modify the boundaries of a section or elevation
Exercise Index
Exercise 01
Create a New Section View
Page 12
Exercise 02
Change the Section Head
Page 14
Exercise 03
Create a Detail Section
Page 16
Exercise 04
Add Notes to a Detail Section
Page 25
Exercise 05
Place a Section View on a Sheet
Page 29
Exercise 06
Create an Exterior Elevation
Page 31
Exercise 07
Add Text Notes to an Exterior Elevation Page 33
Exercise 08
Add Slope Annotations
Page 35
Exercise 09
Create an Interior Elevation
Page 36
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About Sections and Elevations
About this lesson
A building section cuts a vertical slice through a structure or a part of a structure. Sections are used to examine
the roof, floor, and wall conditions at that particular slice location. Sections are an important tool for inspecting
structural conditions.
Elevations can be used to display an exterior or an interior.
Exterior elevations provide information about the exterior materials of a structure. Elevations are derived from the
floor plan.
Interior elevations are less utilized than exterior elevations. In a residential building, the kitchen, bathrooms, and
special closets are usually documented with an interior elevation in order to display casements, cabinetry, and
special equipment. In a commercial structure, interior elevations may be used to show display cases, the location
of special equipment, and tool racks.
Key Terms
baseboard
column
elevation
footing
MDF
plate
run
soffit
topset
wood siding
beam
coving
floor
inset
molding
rafter
sections
span
truss
building exterior
detail
flush
joist
overlay
ridge
sheathing
stepped footing
well
ceiling
eave
flush
lip
pitch
rise
slope
stucco
window
Building Sections
Building Section Information:
 A building section is used to show the following types of information:

Type of foundation

Floor system

Exterior/Interior wall construction

Beam and column sizes, and their materials
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
Plate and/or wall heights

Floor elevations

Roof pitch

Insulation requirements
Purpose of Building Sections
Building sections are used in a set of building plans for the purpose of showing the following information about the
building:
 Vertical relationships of the structural members called for on the floor, framing, and foundation
plans
 Methods of construction for the framing crew
 Vertical transportation method (stairs)
Drafting Building Sections
Some general rules for drafting building sections are:
 Each major structural material must be drawn and dimensioned

Generally falls into two classifications:
o Longitudinal, on the long axis of the building
o Cross or transverse sections, across its narrower dimension

The indicators for these sections are applied to the floor plan and elevation sheets, and are
properly cross-referenced.

Section lines need not be entirely straight; they can be offset to show a particular feature of the
building.
Building sections commonly show insulation methods and values, as well as weatherproofing and
ventilation methods. Simple techniques carried throughout a building can greatly reduce energy
consumption.
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Section Types
There are four basic types of sections: wall, full, partial, and steel.
Wall sections allow the structural components and callouts to be clearly drawn and usually make larger-scale
details, such as framing connections and foundation details, unnecessary.
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Full sections show the entire width of a building and detail the various components used in
construction.
Partial sections are used to show a specific condition in a small localized area.
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Steel sections are used in buildings built mainly with steel members. The section is used to establish
column and beam heights as well as detail welds.
Exterior Elevations
Exterior elevations provide the following useful information:
 Exterior materials used

Horizontal and vertical dimensions not shown on other views

Structural members inside walls (using hidden lines)

The position relationship between different elements, such as doors and windows

Door and window bubbles/labels for schedules
View Scale
Exterior elevations are usually scaled at the same scale as the floor plan. For larger elevations, it is acceptable to
decrease the scale.
Exterior Materials
Elevations are also used to specify the exterior materials used on the building. For a wood structure, the surface
covering and underlayment is notated. The size of the object is listed first, and then the name of the material,
followed by any additional information about spacing, quantity, or methods of installation.
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For siding, it is perfectly acceptable to use the phrase "Install per Mfr." Mfr. refers to the manufacturer of the siding
or exterior materials. Most manufacturers of building materials provide instructions on how to install so the
material does not allow water to leak into the building, and so forth.
The materials used on the exterior of a building are an important part of sustainable design. Carefully consider
building materials that are appropriate for the conditions of the building site.
Unnecessary Information
Shades, shadows, bushes, cars, people, and flowers do not belong in an exterior elevation. Do not dimension
anything on the exterior elevation that has been dimensioned elsewhere. Most horizontal dimensions are shown
in the floor plans.
Therefore, most exterior elevations show primarily vertical dimensions. You do not need to dimension windows
and doors because that information will be contained in the window and door schedule. You may, however,
reference doors or windows to a schedule on an exterior elevation using tags.
Interior Elevations
Interior elevation views depict detailed views of interior walls and show how the features of that wall should be
built. Kitchens and bathrooms are examples of rooms that might be shown in an interior elevation.
Interior Orientations
In exterior elevations, the titles assigned (North, South, East, and West) are based on the direction the structure
faces. With interior elevations, this is reversed; the title is based on the direction the viewer is looking. For
example, if you are standing in an office lobby facing north, the interior wall you are looking at will be labeled
North Lobby Elevation.
View Scale
Most interior elevations are scaled at 1/2" = 1' 0". Most floor plans are scaled at 1/4" = 1' 0". Other acceptable
scales are 3/8" = 1' 0" or 1/8" = 1' 0".
Casements and Cabinets
The primary purpose of interior elevations is to describe cabinet work, casements, and special equipment such as
toilets, dishwashers, and other appliances.
There are three main types of cabinet doors: flush, flush overlay, and lip. You should specify the type of cabinets
to be installed.
Flush: This cabinet type is also called inset. The frame has a square edge (no bead) and the door/ drawer is set
into the cabinet frame opening.
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Flush Overlay: The doors/drawers lay on top of the frame. The doors and drawers are made larger than normal to
almost cover the entire cabinet frame. Door and drawer edges almost touch each other. This is more costly than
regular overlay. Hinges are concealed.
Lip: This cabinet type has one door slightly overlaying its opposing door.
Cabinet elevations show cabinet lengths and heights, distance between base cabinets and wall cabinets, shelf
arrangements, doors and direction of door swings, and materials used. Interior wall elevations show wall lengths,
finished floor-to-ceiling heights, doors, windows, other openings, and types of finish materials used.
Intersection of Wall and Floor/Ceilings
Interior elevations can also describe the treatment of wall and floor joins. This is usually done using a topset,
coving, or a baseboard. Wall and ceiling intersections may use moulding.
Topset is commonly rubber or vinyl. This trim is usually applied to linoleum tile so that the edges do not crack or
break. The trim is usually glued into place. It is curved so it overlays the floor and a small part of the wall.
Coving is a method where the floor material is curved upward against the wall.
A baseboard is usually a strip of wood. The wood is placed vertically against the wall. The thickness of the wood
conceals any gaps between the floor material (usually carpet, tile, or linoleum) and the wall. The baseboard may
be painted or stained to protect the wood.
Molding is usually made of plaster, wood, or MDF, which is a formed pressboard. Molding is normally decorative
in nature. It may have curves, chamfers, or decorative patterns. Molding is commonly used at the top and bottom
of walls where it intersects with the floor or ceiling. It can also be used around doorways and windows.
Sections and Elevations
About This Lesson
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
 Create a new section view

Change the section head

Create and add notes to a detail section

Place a section view on a sheet

Create and add notes to an exterior elevation

Add slope annotations

Create an interior elevation
Exterior Elevations
Autodesk Revit software includes default exterior elevation views with project templates. Opening an elevation
view is as easy as selecting the elevation name in the Project Browser. Revit will automatically update your
elevation views if you make any changes to the floor plan.
Section Views
You can create section views in the design by placing a section line. This automatically creates the section view in
the model, and a section symbol on all plans. You can also create a construction grid with identification tags on
the drawing and have the tags display in the model.
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Callouts and Detail Sections
You can create large-scale views of plans and sections by placing a callout. This automatically creates a detail
view of the area inside the callout that you can then add to a sheet. Detail views hold annotations and other
drafted or sketched information.
Interior Elevation Views
You can create interior elevation views in the design by placing an interior elevation symbol in a room. This
automatically creates the elevation views of the room, which you can then add to a sheet. Construction grids
display in interior elevation views to provide a point of reference for these drawings.
Key Terms
annotation
elevation
interior
boundary
exterior
note
detail
filled
region
section
view
sheet
slope
Section Views
Section Command
Section View
The Section command enables you to define a section view through your design. A section is a horizontal view,
like an elevation, but it cuts the model to show structure rather than surfaces. You define the section by sketching
a section line in a plan view through the building (or family) where you want the section to cut the model. The
section line has a section head on one end with the view name and view direction arrow. The section has an
associated crop region that sets its depth of view. Once created, the section view updates as the design changes
or if the section line is modified.
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Section Symbol Visibility
The section symbol is visible in a plan, elevation, or other section view, provided its crop region intersects the
view. For example, if you resize the crop region of the section view so that it no longer intersects a plan view
plane, the section symbol does not display in that plan view.
Section symbols can display in elevation views even if the elevation crop boundary is turned off. The section
displays in elevation if the section line intersects the elevation clip plane. To view and modify the position of the
elevation clip plane, select the arrowhead of an elevation symbol in a plan view, and the clip plane displays with
drag controls on it.
If you resize the clip plane so that it no longer intersects the section line, the section does not display in the
elevation view.
Controlling View Depth
The Section command can control the view depth of the section. When you create a section view, it includes a
crop region to resize the view. By resizing the crop region, you can more closely control what displays in the
section view.
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Reference Bubbles
The Section command also allows either a one-to-one relationship between a section bubble and a section view,
or multiple reference section bubbles that point to one section view.
Detail Sections
Details are close-up views of the building model, in which the designer adds specific information
and instructions. Details are crucial for effective construction. Many companies build up libraries of
standard details for use on more than one project.
In a set of construction documents, pages with large-scale views show indicators called callouts that
list the close-up views. This provides a navigation system so readers can move from view to view to
find the information they need.
Detail sections are easy to create in Revit Architecture once you understand the following process:
 Create a new section of the area you intend to detail with the Callout tool


Create Filled Regions to represent the different structural elements or materials, tracing over the existing
elements
Add structural details, such as anchor bolts and siding

Add detail notes

Add breaklines as needed

Turn off Visibility of Model elements as needed
Once you create the detail section, you can drag and drop it onto any sheet. You can also save your
detail sections for use in more than one project.
Roof Slope
Exterior elevations should include slope indicators for roofs. A standard indicator consists of a number
and horizontal line to indicate the run, and a number and vertical line to indicate the rise.
The number indicates the value of the rise and run. In the example shown, the rise has a value of 2 and the run
has a value of 12.
The run always has a value of 12 when using imperial units.
The slope is the ratio rise:run. Slope is also referred to as pitch. So, the slope of this roof is 2:12, which is spoken
as 2 in 12. Slope values can also be displayed as fractions: 2/12.
Common slopes are:
 1-1/2:12
 3:12
 5:12



6:12
8:12
9:12



12:12
18:12
24:12
When designing a roof, try to specify standard roof pitch. The minimum pitch to use when designing shinglecovered roofs in climates with snow is 3:12.
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Exercise: Create a New Section View
In this exercise, you create a section view and
modify the properties of the section line and section
view.
The completed exercise
Create a Section View
1) Open file: BuildingDocs_Exercise01.rvt
The file opens to a 3D view.
2) Open the view Floor Plans: GROUND FLOOR.
3) The Section command is available from the
View tab.
On the View tab, Create panel, click Section.
The section symbol is composed of different
components:
 The section bubble contains the
information regarding which sheet to view
the section on.
 The section tail indicates the end of the
section cut.
 The section arrowhead indicates the
direction in which the section is facing.
 The dotted green rectangle indicates the
depth of the section cut. This is called the
crop region, and it has control grips to
resize it.
 The blue flip arrows that display when the
section is selected enable you to flip the
direction of the section cut.
 The controls next to the head and tail
enable you to cycle through head and tail
symbols.
 The mark in the center of the section line
enables you to put an adjustable break in
the section line.
4) Place the pointer at the left of the staircase.
5) Move the cursor horizontally and place the
section line end to the right of the exterior wall.
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Section Properties
6) With the section line still selected, verify the
scale of the section view as 1/8” = 1’-0” inside
the Properties Palette
Note: In previous versions of Revit you could
define the Section view scale in the Options bar
prior to creating the section view
7) With the section line still selected, the Properties
palette holds several options for controlling the
extents of the view:
 Crop View activates or de-activates the
crop.
 Crop Region Visible hides or displays the
crop boundary.
 Annotation Crop activates or de-activates a
secondary boundary to control annotation
display.
 Far Clipping shows options for display at
the clip plane. This is the green dotted line
parallel to the section line.
 Far Clip Offset allows for specific placement
of the far clip boundary. You can enter a
value in this field or use the grips on the
crop region to modify the depth.
8) Select the control on the middle of the far clip
plane.
Drag the far clip plane to the middle of the
building. The actual location is not critical.
9) On the Properties palette, the value for Far Clip
Offset has been updated.
10) When you drew the section line, you
automatically created a section view. The view is
listed in your Project Browser.
Double-click Section 1 to activate the Section
view.
Notice the value for Far Clip Offset.
Note that it is difficult to see the stairs on the
left because there are doors located behind
them.
11) The Section view is still editable (the border is
blue).
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12) In the Properties palette, change Far Clip Offset
to 10.
Clear Crop Region Visible.
Change the Section Head
1) Open file: BuildingDocs_Exercise02.rvt or
continue working from the previous file
2) On the Insert tab, Load from Library panel, click
Load Family.

Click APPLY
13) The section view updates.
The rectangle that appeared around the view is
no longer visible.
3) Open the folder Imperial Library/Annotations.
Select Section Head-Open.rfa.
Note that the stairs are now easier to see.

14) Save the file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise01_finished.rvt
Click Open to load the family. The view does
not change.
4) Switch to Floor Plans: GROUND FLOOR view.
In this exercise, you created a section view and
modified the properties of the section line and
section view.
Exercise: Change the Section Head
Revit provides a selection of annotation symbol
styles. Several section head families are available.
They include Section Head - 1 point Filled, Section
Head - Filled, and Section Head - No Arrow.
5) On the Manage tab, Settings panel, click
Additional Settings > Section Tags.
In this exercise, you create a new section head style
and apply it to an existing section line.
The completed exercise
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12) In the Section Tag field, select Open Arrow.

6) In the Type Properties dialog box, click
Duplicate.
Click OK twice to exit the dialog box.
13) The section head updates to the new head
type. No values display in the bubble because
the section has not been assigned to a sheet.
7) For Name, enter Open Arrow. Click OK.
8) For Section Head, select Section Head - Open.
Click OK.
14) Save the file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise02_finished.rvt
In this exercise, you created a new section head
style and applied it to an existing section line.
9) Select the section line.
10) On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.

Click Duplicate.
11) For Name, enter Open Arrow. Click OK.
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Exercise: Create a Detail Section
In this exercise, you create a detail section view
using the following tools:
 Callout
 Filled Region
 Detail Lines
 Detail Component
 Insulation
4) Create a callout around the left side of the
foundation sill by dragging a rectangle around
it. Use the image below for guidance.
This is a long exercise. Plan your breaks and save
your work accordingly.
5) To reposition the callout head, select the
border of the callout.
The callout view highlights and displays drag
handles. Select the callout head drag handle
and move the head to the bottom left side of
the view as shown.
The completed exercise
Create a Detail Section
1) Open file:
BuildingDocs_Exercise03.rvt
6) On the Properties palette:
 Change View Scale to: 1-1/2”=1’-0”
 Change the Visual Style to Hidden Line.
2) Open the view Sections (Section 1) > Section 1.
This is a building section; it extends from one
exterior wall across to the other side of the
building.
3) On the View tab, Create panel, click Callout.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations

Change the View Name to:
Detail at Foundation Sill
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Detail the View
Detail components are view specific. You can add
detail lines, detail components, region patterns, and
insulation objects to a view that will be visible only in
that view.
11) Click Modify. Select the upper and right side
lines. Hold down the CTRL key to select more
than one item. Use the Line Style Selector to
change them to Wide Lines.
7) Double-click Sections (Callout 1): Detail at
Foundation Sill to open the callout view.
8) On the Annotate tab, Detail panel, click Region
> Filled Region.
You could also use the Subcategory field on the
Properties palette.
You create a filled region representing the
sloped grade outside the foundation wall.
9) On the Draw panel, Line is selected
automatically. On the Options Bar, select Chain.
10) Trace over the lower left corner of the view, as
shown. Revit snaps to endpoints
and corners, but not strongly. You will probably
need to Zoom (in and out) and Pan (back and
forth) to draw the four lines correctly.
12) On the Properties palette, click Edit Type to
access the Type Properties.
Click Duplicate to create a new Fill Pattern type.
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13) Click OK.
For Name, enter Earth.
16) On the Annotate tab, Detail panel, click
Component > Detail Component.
14) From the Fill Pattern list, select Drafting Pattern
Type EARTH as shown below. Click OK.
17) On the Place Detail Component tab, Detail
panel, click Load Family.
18) Open the folder: Imperial Library/Detail
Items/Div 06-Wood and Plastic/06100Rough Carpentry/061100-Wood Framing.

Click OK twice to exit the dialog boxes.
15) On the Mode panel, select Finish (green check).

Select Nominal Cut Lumber - Section.rfa.

Click Open.
Depending on your zoom settings and the
selected fill pattern, the filled region may
appear as solid fill. If you zoom in closer, the
pattern becomes visible.
19) In the Specify Types dialog box, CTRL+select
2x4 and 2x10.
Add Detail Components
Detail components are 2D family objects, which are
visible only in the view where they are placed.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations

Click Open.
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20) From the Type Selector, select Nominal Cut
Lumber Section : 2 x 10.
Press SPACEBAR once to rotate the component
90 degrees.
You can use the arrow keys to nudge selected
objects a small distance.

Place the 2 x 10 Lumber as shown.
22) Add another Detail Component. From the
Type Selector list, select Nominal Cut LumberSection: 2 x 4.
You can select the lumber section after it is
placed initially. Use Move and/or Rotate to
place it precisely into position.
21) Using the image below for guidance, add a
second copy of the 2 x 10.
Press SPACEBAR as necessary to orient the
component vertical. Move it after placement if
necessary.
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
Place the 2 x 4 component as shown.
23) From the Type Selector, select Plywood.
24) Place the Plywood component above the last
2 x 10 added to the model. This component
represents the subflooring.
25) Add another plywood component to the
exterior face of the wall. Use the image below
for guidance. The exact vertical placement is
not critical.
26) Click Modify. Select the vertical plywood. On
the Properties palette, set the Thickness to
3/4".
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
Click APPLY
You may need to realign the plywood with the
wall face.

27) Click Component > Detail Component. From the
Type Selector, select anchor bolt.
Place the siding against the plywood on the
exterior face of the wall. Use the image
below for guidance.
Place the component similarly to the image
below, at the midpoint of the horizontal 2 x 10.
29) Click Modify. Select the siding component and
move it down vertically 3/4" so it extends past
the plywood to make a drip edge.
28) Add another Detail Component. From the Type
Selector, select Lap Siding.
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Add Detail Lines
32) Use Zoom In Region to the area indicated.
On the Modify panel of the context tab, select
Copy. On the Options Bar, select Multiple.
33) On the Annotate tab, Detail panel, click Detail
Line.

From the Line Style Selector, select Wide
Lines.

Sketch detail lines to enclose the end of the
lap siding. Start at the end of the siding.
30) Copy the siding 8" up (90 degrees) three times
to indicate that the siding continues up the wall.
31) Save the file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise03_finished.rvt
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34) Draw the line up 3/4" to meet the plywood.
36) Zoom out. Still using Wide Lines, click the
Rectangle tool on the Draw panel. Sketch the
baseboard as shown: 3/4" wide x 3 1/2" high.
35) Draw the next line horizontally 3/4" to intersect
with the wall.
37) Next, you show the gypsum board in the wall.
Click Modify. Select the wall so it highlights.
Right-click. Click Element Properties > Type
Properties.
Hint: Use Thin line display if needed to make it
easier to see the underlying linework
38) Click Edit in the Structure field. In the Edit
Assembly dialog box, select the Material field
in row 3, identified as Wall material 1. Click the
icon that displays to open the Material dialog
box.
The completed detail should resemble the
illustration shown.
39) Click the button next to Pattern in Cut Pattern
area.
Select Gypsum-Plaster from the list.
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40) Click OK three times to exit all dialog boxes. The
wall display updates.
Add Breaklines
The breakline detail component is composed of
model lines and an adjustable filled region on one
side.
44) On the Annotate tab, Detail panel, click
Component > Detail Component. From the Type
Selector, select Break Line.
41) Save the file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise03_finished.rvt
Add Insulation
42) On the Annotate tab, Detail panel, click
Insulation.
45) Place the breakline near the middle of the wall
section as shown. The component snaps to the
middle of the wall.
43) Accept the default Width of 0'-3" from the
Options Bar. Start at the midpoint of the 2 x 4
component and sketch the insulation up to the
edge of the section.
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46) Your view should resemble the image shown.
49) Click Zoom to Fit. Select the edge of the view
(the crop region). Drag the right side control dot
to the left so that it reaches the masking region
for the breakline you just adjusted. The view
should resemble the image shown.
47) You place another breakline. The Detail
Component tool is still active. Press SPACEBAR
three times to rotate the Detail Component
so the masking element is on the right. The
temporary dimensions will give the visual clues
you need to determine which way it is facing.
To complete the detail, add breaklines at the
bottom and left sides. Breaklines are placed
in details wherever a material extends past
the extents of the detail view.
50) Save the file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise03_finished.rvt
In this exercise, you created a detail section view
and added filled regions, detail lines, and detail
components to it.
Exercise: Add Notes to a Detail Section
48) Place the breakline as shown.
Notes on sections and elevations follow rules
established by the American Institute of Architects
(AIA). The size of the object is listed first, and then
the name of the material and any additional
information about spacing, quantity, or methods of
installation.
For example:
 1" x 8" redwood siding over 15# felt
 Cement plaster over concrete block
Details illustrate and specify insulation methods and
values, weatherproofing, and ventilation methods in
construction documents. Simple techniques carried
throughout a building can greatly reduce energy
consumption.

Click Modify to terminate the Detail
Component tool.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
P a g e | 25
The completed exercise
3) On the Annotate tab, Text panel, click Text.
Add Notes
In this exercise, you add notes to the detail section
you created in a previous exercise. To add notes,
you use the Text tool on the Annotate tab.
1) Open file:
BuildingDocs_Exercise04.rvt
The file opens to Detail at Foundation Sill.
4) From the Type list, select Text: 3/32"
Architectural Text.
2) With nothing selected in the view, the
Properties palette displays View Properties:
 Clear Crop Region Visible
 Clear Annotation Crop
5) On the Format panel, click Two Segments.

Click APPLY
The border around the view will disappear.
6) Click the lap siding to set the location of the
leader arrow as shown. Move the pointer up
and to the right to set the location of the elbow.
Finally, move the cursor to the right and click to
place the text box.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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7) Enter RED CEDAR LAP SIDING - 4"
WEATHERING. Click off the leader to terminate
the text entry.
11) Start the next text in the gap between the
insulation and the interior wall.
Enter 5 MIL VAPOR RETARDER.
12) Start the next text at the interior wall.
Enter 5/8" GWB - TYPE X.
Note: GWB is an acronym for Gypsum Wall
Board, and an X rating means a level of fire
resistance.
8) Start the next text at the vertical plywood
board.
As you pull your cursor to the right, you activate
alignment lines to help create your next
leader in line with the first one. Architectural
standards favor aligned notation.
13) Start the next text at the 2 X 4 lumber.
Enter 2 X 4 WOOD STUDS @ 16" O.C..
O.C. is an acronym for On Center.
14) You can use the grips to rearrange your notes
so that they are neater and closer together.
Keep text notes from covering the lines of the
graphics.
9) Enter 3/4" EXTERIOR GRADE PLYWOOD
SHEATHING.
10) Start the next text at the center area of the
insulation.
Enter 3 1/2" FIBERGLASS BATT INSULATION
- R13.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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Note: PT signifies Pressure Treated, or wood
treated with preservative against rot. CONT is
short for Continuous.
19) Start the next text at the anchor bolt.
Enter 3/8" X 8" GALV ANCHOR BOLT @ 30"
O.C..
Note: GALV signifies galvanized. Galvanizing is
a zinc-based coating applied to steel to protect it
from rust and corrosion.
15) Start the next text at the baseboard.
Enter 1 X 4 PAINT GRADE BASEBOARD.
16) Start the next text at the floorboard.
Enter 1" T&G PLYWOOD DECK.
20) Start the next text at the anchor bolt below the
floorboard.
Enter 8" CONC FOUNDATION WALL - .
Note: T&G signifies tongue and groove.
Click ENTER to start a second line. Enter SEE
STRUCTURAL DWGS FOR DETAILS.
17) Start the next text at the 2 X 10 vertical lumber
below the floorboard. Enter 2 X 10 WD RIM
JOIST. Click ENTER to start a second line of
text.
Enter 2 x 10 WD JOISTS @ 16" O.C. as the
second line of text. Click off the text to finish
the entry.
Note: CONC signifies concrete.
21) Click Modify. Click Zoom to Fit.
22) Save file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise04_finished.rvt
In this exercise, you used the Text tool to place a
series of detail notes.
18) Start the next text at the 2 X 10 horizontal
lumber below the floorboard.
Enter 2 x 10 PT WD SILL PLATE CONT. .
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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Exercise: Place a Section View on a Sheet
Once you have created your detail, section, or
elevation view, you will want to add the views to a
sheet.
6) Adjust breaklines at the bottom and left sides
to display closer to the foundation wall as
shown. You can use a combination of the grip
controls and the Move command.
In this exercise, you create a new sheet with your
custom title block, and locate the detail view on it.
The completed exercise
Add a New Sheet
7) On the View Control Bar, click Show Crop
Region.
1) Open file:
BuildingDocs_Exercise05.rvt

2) In the Project Browser, highlight Sheets.
Right-click. Click New Sheet.
Drag the left and bottom sides of the view
crop close to the wall-floor join as shown.
3) In the Select a Titleblock dialog box, click Load.
4) Locate the A-Landscape.rfa title block file in the
dataset folder. Click Open.


Highlight your title block.
Click OK to exit the dialog box. The new
sheet becomes the current view.
You are making the section view more compact
so it fits easily on the new sheet.
5) Open the view Detail at Foundation Sill.
8) Select a Level Line. Click the control at its left
end. Drag it to the right, close to the crop
border. Both Level ends will move together.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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11) For Number, enter S.301.
For Name, enter Detail at Foundation Sill.

Click OK
12) Zoom into the title block and update the values
as needed.

On the View Control Bar, click Hide Crop
Region.
9) Double-click the new sheet in the Project
Browser to open that view.
In the Project Browser, select view Detail at
Foundation. Drag and drop the view onto the
sheet.
13) Click Zoom to Fit.
14) Save file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise05_finished.rvt
In this exercise, you:
 Created a new sheet
 Adjusted the properties and layout of the detail
view
 Added your detail section view to the sheet
 Modified the label values in the title block
10) In the Project Browser, highlight the new sheet.
Right-click. Click Rename.
Exercise: Create an Exterior Elevation
Elevation views are part of the default template in
Revit. When you create a project with a template,
four elevation views are included: north, south, east,
and west.
The steps to create an exterior elevation are:
 Set the display for your elevation to Hidden Line
 Set the display for building components as
needed
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



Create filled regions for exterior elements as
needed
Add material notes
Add slope indication for roof
Add any necessary dimensions
The elevation markers are now visible.
The completed exercise
Create an Exterior Elevation
6) Select the point of the west elevation marker
(the one located to the left of the building with
the arrowhead pointing east).
You can now see the region defined by the
west elevation marker. It is defined by the
green dotted line.
1) Open file:
BuildingDocs_Exercise06.rvt
2) Open Floor Plans > Ground Floor.
Turn On Elevation Markers
3) Enter VG to bring up the Visibility/Graphics
dialog box.
4) Click the Annotations tab.
5) Select Elevations.


Click OK.
Right-click. Click Zoom to Fit.
Switch to an Elevation View
7) Double-click the west elevation arrowhead to
activate the west elevation view.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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13) Hover your cursor over one of the walls with no
surface pattern.
8) Next, adjust the display so you can use this
view on a sheet.
On the View Control Bar, click Visual Style >
Hidden Line.
9) Enter VG to open the Visibility/Graphics dialog
box for this view.
10) On the Modelling tab, clear Planting.
14) Select the wall. On the Properties palette, click
Edit Type.
15) In the Type Properties dialog box, select Edit in
the Structure field.
16) Select the Material field for Layer 1. It will be
identified as Condo - Exterior Stucco. Click the
button that displays to select a material.
11) On the Annotations tab, clear Sections.
Enable the visibility of Levels
12) Click OK to exit the dialog box.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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17) In Surface Pattern, click to open the list.
Select Sand.
Exercise: Add Text Notes to an Exterior
Elevation
In this exercise, you add text notes to your exterior
elevation using the Text tool.
Material notes should follow the same rules as notes
on other views. The size of the object is listed first,
then the name of the material and any additional
information about spacing, quantity, or methods of
installation.
18) Click OK to exit all dialog boxes.
Both visible instances of the stucco wall update
their display to show a pattern.
The completed exercise
Add Text Notes
1) Open file:
BuildingDocs_Exercise07.rvt
2) If you pause the cursor over each element you
need to identify, you can use the description
indicated in the status bar and tooltip to assist
you in writing your material note.
Hover the cursor over the foundation wall
region.
19) Click Zoom to Fit.
20) Save file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise06_finished.rvt
In this exercise, you activated an elevation view,
modified its display, and modified the wall display
characteristics.
3) Enter TX.
In the Type Selector, set the Type to Text: 3/32"
text.
Set the Leader type to One Segment.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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4) Add a note for the foundation.
7) Add a note for the exterior stucco.
5) Add a note for the stone wall.
8) Add a note for the roof.
6) Add a note for the brick wall.
9) Save file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise07_finished.rvt
In this exercise, you added text notes to your
exterior elevation.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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Exercise: Add Slope Annotations
In this exercise, you add slope indicators to an
elevation view to specify roof pitch.
6) Click to select the roof line. Click again to locate
the slope indicator.
The completed exercise
Add Slope Annotations
You apply slope notes and dimensions to an exterior
elevation.
1) Open file:
BuildingDocs_Exercise08.rvt
2) Use Zoom In Region to zoom into the upper left
of the roof.
You can drag points on the slope indicator using
the handles.
7) Place the cursor over the roof line to the right
as shown.
8) Click to select the roof line.
3) On the Annotate tab, Dimension panel, click
Spot Slope.
4) On the Options Bar, from the Slope
Representation list, select Triangle. For Offset
from Reference, enter 1/8".
9) Click to locate the slope indicator.
5) Place the cursor over the roof line as shown.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
Use the flip arrows if you have put it on the
wrong side of the roof line. Drag the left side
to the right so both slope indicators are clearly
readable.
P a g e | 35
10) Place slope indicators on the remaining roofs
13) The west elevation now contains material
notes, slope indicators, and vertical dimensions.
11) Click Modify. On the Annotate tab, Dimension
panel, click Aligned.
It is important that notes in sections and
elevations do not cover the graphics. Arrange
notes, leaders, and dimensions for clarity.
14) Save file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise08_finished.rvt

Set the Place Dimensions option to Wall
faces.
12) To create a continuous dimension as shown,
select wall breaks and levels. Click to the left of
the building to place the dimension.
In this exercise, you created slope indicators and
added vertical dimensions.
Exercise: Create an Interior Elevation
Interior elevations show surface materials,
dimensions, or special features that may not show
clearly in plans. Most interior elevations are for
bathrooms, kitchens, special closets, equipment
rooms, and cabinetry.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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In this exercise, you create an interior elevation of a
bathroom.

The completed exercise
Highlight the view. Click Open View.
4) An elevation marker is visible in one of the
bathrooms. This is the elevation marker that
defines the Interior Bathroom Elevation.
Create an Interior Elevation
1) Open file:
BuildingDocs_Exercise09.rvt
2) In the Project Browser, locate the Elevations >
Interior Bathroom Elevation view.
This view was already defined in the drawing.
 Left-click in an open area of the canvas
window
 Right-click. Click Find Referring Views.
5) The arrowhead of the elevation marker is
active.
3) A dialog box displays listing the Floor Plan: 2nd
Floor as the referring view.
You can see the crop region and boundaries of
the elevation indicated by the green dashed
line.
6) Right-click. Click Go to Elevation View to open
the Interior Elevation view.
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7) On the Annotate tab, Dimension panel, click
Aligned.
 Click Duplicate
 In the Name box, click OK
 Click Element Properties > Type Properties
 Click the value field for Units Format
10) Save file as:
BuildingDocs_Exercise09_finished.rvt
8) Clear Use Project Settings. Set the Rounding to
To the Nearest 1/4". Select Suppress 0 Feet.

In this exercise, you navigated between the
elevation marker and the elevation view. You
modified a dimension style, and added dimensions
and text to the interior elevation.
Click OK two times to clear the dialog boxes.
9) Using the Text and Dimension tools, detail the
interior section.
Use 3/32" text with two segment leaders.
Lesson Plan – Building Documentation: Sections and Elevations
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