Adding tiles in Revit is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to optimize their workflow and customize the user interface for better efficiency. Tiles refer to the separate, resizable windows within the Revit application that allow you to view different views, models, or documentation simultaneously. This capability is essential for tasks such as coordinating designs, comparing elements, or simply managing your screen real estate effectively during complex projects.
The process of managing these tiles is integrated into Revit's multi-window functionality, which supports both tiling and overlaying views. Whether you are working on a large commercial building or a detailed residential model, understanding how to manipulate these viewports can significantly enhance your productivity. This guide will walk you through the specific methods for creating, arranging, and customizing these tiles to suit your design needs.
Understanding View Tiles and Windows
Before diving into the mechanics of creating tiles, it is important to understand the distinction between a 'window' and a 'tile' in the Revit interface. A window is a general container for any open view, sheet, or dialog. A tile, specifically, is a state of a window where Revit arranges multiple windows to fit side-by-side or cascaded on your screen. This arrangement is managed by the operating system's window manager as well as Revit's own internal settings. The goal is to have a clear visual hierarchy that allows you to work on multiple drafting areas without obstruction.
Method 1: The Tile Button Method
The most intuitive way to create a tile is by using the dedicated Tile button located on the Windows panel of the View tab on the Ribbon. This method is straightforward and ideal for quickly splitting your screen to see two adjacent views. By default, this action will tile the currently active window horizontally or vertically with another window, depending on the current tile setting. This is the fastest way to get a side-by-side comparison of two plans or a plan and a section.
Steps to Tile Using the Ribbon
- Open the views you wish to tile in separate windows.
- Select the view whose window you want to keep static.
- Navigate to the View tab on the Ribbon.
- Click on the Window panel to expand it.
- Click the Tile dropdown arrow and select either "Tile Windows Vertically" or "Tile Windows Horizontally."
Method 2: The Right-Click Context Menu
For users who prefer keyboard shortcuts or right-click menus, Revit provides an alternative method that offers more control. You can access the tiling options directly from the window title bar or the open space within the Revit application background. This method is particularly useful when you want to quickly reorganize several open windows without navigating deep into the Ribbon interface. It leverages the familiar right-click context menu that many Windows users are already comfortable with.
Steps to Tile via Right-Click
- Ensure you have multiple windows open in Revit.
- Right-click on the blank space of the Revit application window (not on a specific view).
- Hover over the "Tile Windows" option in the context menu.
- Select your desired layout: "Vertically" or "Horizontally."
Method 3: Cascading Windows
While tiling refers to views sitting side-by-side or stacked in a grid, cascading is another window arrangement option that places windows in a staggered, overlapping layer. This is less common for drafting work where precise alignment is needed, but it can be useful for referencing a background view while working in a primary window. The cascade option essentially arranges the windows so that their title bars are visible, allowing you to click through them easily. It provides a different visual layout that some users might find better for specific multitasking scenarios.
Customizing Your Tile Layout
Revit allows you to save your preferred window arrangements, including tiled views, as part of your workspace configuration. If you find a specific tile setup that works perfectly for your typical workflow—say a large 3D view on the left and a detailed plan on the right—you can save this layout. This ensures that every time you open Revit or switch worksets, your critical views are already positioned for immediate use. This customization eliminates the need to manually arrange your windows every single time you start a new task.
Troubleshooting Common Tile Issues
Occasionally, users may encounter issues where views refuse to tile correctly or windows behave unexpectedly. A common problem is having a single document open in multiple windows, which can sometimes lead to confusion about which window is active. If tiling does not work, check your Windows display settings to ensure that high-DPI scaling is configured correctly for Revit, as this can interfere with window management. Additionally, closing unnecessary background views can free up system resources, allowing the tiling functionality to perform smoothly. Remember that performance is key to maintaining an efficient tiled environment.
