Top 5 Revit Plugins to Streamline Your Workflow

As architects, engineers, and construction pros, finding ways to enhance productivity and gain a competitive edge is essential. Autodesk Revit is an incredibly powerful BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, but its true potential shines when augmented with the right plugins.

These Revit add-ons can significantly streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and offer new functionalities to improve your project outcomes.

How to Install Plugins on Revit?

Before we examine the best plugins, it’s essential to know how to install them on Revit. Here’s a detailed guide divided into two categories: add-ins found in the Autodesk App Store and third-party plugins available on the Internet.

Installing Add-Ins from the Autodesk App Store

The Autodesk App Store is a convenient source for a variety of plugins specifically designed for Autodesk Revit. Here’s how to install these add-ins:

1. Visit the Autodesk App Store:

• Open your web browser and navigate to the Autodesk App Store.
• Select Revit from the list of products to filter plugins compatible with Revit.

2. Search for Your Desired Plugin:

• Use the search bar to enter keywords related to the functionality you need.
• Browse through the results and read the descriptions, reviews, and ratings to ensure the plugin meets your requirements.

3. Download and Install:

• Click on the desired plugin to open its detail page.
• Select the “Download” button and follow the on-screen instructions to download the installer.
• Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation. To avoid installation issues, ensure you have administrative rights on your computer.

4. Restart Revit:

• Some plugins require you to restart Revit before the changes take effect. Close and reopen Revit to ensure the plugin is integrated correctly.

Installing Third-Party Plugins Sourced from the Internet

There are numerous third-party plugins available online that can enhance Revit’s functionality. Here’s how to install these plugins:

1. Identify Reputable Sources:

• To avoid security risks, download plugins from reputable sources. Some trusted websites include the developer’s official site or well-known software repositories like GitHub.

2. Download the Plugin:

• Visit the website where the plugin is hosted.
• Locate the download section and select the version that is compatible with your Revit version.
• Download the installer file to your computer.

3. Install the Plugin:

• Run the downloaded installer file.
• Follow the installation prompts, ensuring you read any specific instructions or requirements. You might need to specify the path to your Revit installation or agree to license terms.
• Some plugins might require you to manually copy files into Revit’s add-ins directory. In such cases, refer to the plugin’s documentation for detailed steps.

4. Restart Revit:

• After installation, restart Revit to ensure the new plugin is properly loaded and available for use.

The Top 5 Revit Plugins

1. Enscape

Category: Real-time rendering

Price: $100 per month for a Fixed-Seat License

Enscape is a real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin that integrates seamlessly with Revit. It allows you to visualize your projects instantly, offering an immersive experience that can help you catch design issues early and make informed decisions. Enscape’s real-time rendering capability means you can make changes in Revit and see them reflected instantly in your 3D views.

2. Dynamo

Category: Visual programming

Price: Included with recent versions of Revit

Dynamo is an open-source visual programming platform that allows Revit users to easily automate tasks, manipulate data, and create complex geometry. It extends Revit’s functionality, enabling users to create custom workflows and automate repetitive tasks. With Dynamo, you can enhance your Revit model by generating intricate forms, optimizing structural elements, and managing data more efficiently.

3. V-Ray

Category: Photorealistic rendering

Price: $48.05 per month for a single-user license

V-Ray for Revit is a high-quality rendering plugin known for its photorealistic outputs. It provides powerful tools to create stunning visuals directly from your Revit model. V-Ray’s robust features include advanced lighting, materials, and textures, making it a favorite among architects and designers looking to produce top-notch visualizations.

4. pyRevit

Category: Workflow automation.

Price: Free with optional donation to developers

pyRevit is a free and open-source plugin that significantly boosts productivity by providing a set of tools to automate various Revit tasks. It includes features for batch processing, data management, and enhancing Revit’s user interface. pyRevit’s flexibility and the ability to create custom scripts make it a powerful tool for any Revit user looking to streamline their workflow.

5. Ideate Software

Category: Process automation & connectivity

Price: Starting at $495

Ideate Software offers multiple Revit add-ons, ready to save you hours. BIMLink facilitates bidirectional data exchange between Revit and Excel, enabling you to manage your Revit data using spreadsheets and edit it in bulk. If you ever wanted to automate monotonous tasks like generating workflows or exporting PDF, Ideate Automation might be the solution you’re looking for. You can even audit your models with Ideate Explorer, ensuring they are error-free and in compliance with standards.

How to Delete Revit Add-Ons?

Sometimes, you might need to remove a plugin that’s no longer useful. You can delete Revit add-ons by following the following four steps:

1. Launch Revit
2. Click on the ‘Add-Ins’ tab in Revit’s ribbon.
3. Select the ‘Manage Add-Ins’ option.
4. Locate the add-in, right-click, and choose “Uninstall.”  Follow the prompts to remove it from Revit.

Boost Accuracy and Productivity with Revit Plugins

Integrating the right plugins into your Revit workflow can significantly improve productivity and project quality. Enscape, Dynamo, V-Ray, pyRevit, and Ideate Software each offer unique functionalities that can help you visualize, automate, and manage your BIM projects more effectively.

Whether you’re looking to create photorealistic renderings or enhance data management, these plugins are invaluable tools for any Revit user. Check out these options to streamline your workflows and take your Revit projects to the next level.