Are Revit and BIM same? best Explanation 2023

Are Revit and BIM same…? Distinguishing between BIM and Revit.

Neha Somani, Analyst Feb 28 2019

Confused? Not to worry….

Let us clear the misconceptions and seek answers to what really BIM and Revit mean.

Are they similar or distinct?

This article intends to answer the Questions regarding BIM and Revit and clarify the differences between the two as most of the people assume to consider Revit & BIM the same.

1. Are Revit and BIM the same? Are BIM and Revit software?

• We often come across people addressing Revit as BIM all together. But the fact is, Revit is not BIM.
• BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a process/technology/ platform and Revit is one of the many BIM tools/applications available like ArchiCAD, AECOsim, Edificius etc.

• Thus, a 3D model designed using the Revit application is designed for BIM.
• Are Revit and BIM same?

2. What is Revit?

• Revit is a BIM based software widely used by Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Designers to create a unified model consisting of real-life information.Source: Autodesk
• It is a design and documentation platform that enables you to use a single, integrated building information model to conceptualize, design, and finally document a project.
• Revit software enables you to attain virtual modelling i.e. get a virtual model of the building or infrastructure before it is actually done on-site.
• The tools in Revit software are designed specifically to support BIM allowing users to create an intelligent model with data stored in it. These tools if used properly can help you avoid rework, minimize cost, detect conflicts before constructions happens on-site, avoid delays etc.
• Are Revit and BIM same?

3. What is BIM?

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based PROCESS that involves digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility.
• BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.
• Are Revit and BIM same?

4. Can Revit replace BIM?

• Revit is a software used for making drawings and virtual models for a project. Autodesk Revit was created to support BIM and not to replace BIM.
• It is as simple as- Revit supports BIM. The drawings and other documents generated by Revit form a part of the Building Information Model.
• Are Revit and BIM same?

5. What is the role of BIM & How does Revit support BIM?

• The role of BIM is to link all information relating to a building and incorporating it to produce a comprehensive a 3D model. BIM has to rely on different software to collect this information for a project and compile it together.
• Revit is one of the BIM software to create BIM based model. It combines the architectural design, structural engineering design and MEP models for coordination. Also, it helps in making a data-rich model based on the inputs.
• Are Revit and BIM same?

I hope, I was able to clear the doubts that may arise in one’s mind with regards to BIM and Revit and was able to draw a line between BIM and Revit for those who considered them to be the same.

Would you all like to know what all things/wonders Revit and BIM can do together?

Then, find my next blog on “Things that Revit and BIM can do together.”

Till then, let me know if you have any further queries on BIM. I would be glad to address them.

-BIM will make it easy!!

What is the Difference Between BIM and Revit? (BIM Vs Revit)

If you are working closely with the AEC industry, then you must have heard BIM and Revit many times. These two words are so closely related that they are considered to be one of the most confusing pairs of terms in the modeling genre. This article intends to clarify the confusion regarding them both and what is the fundamental difference between BIM and Revit. It also shares insights on how does Revit supports BIM.

One of the major reasons for the confusion between BIM and Revit, is they serve the same objective, creation of 3D building design and modeling. The digital output associated with both of them is the 3D models of various design disciplines i.e. Architectural, Structural, MEP etc. But don’t you think they both are the same. Let’s find out their core properties and basic differences between BIM and Revit.

BIM is a process/methodology/technology by which we can create and coordinate 3D building models and Revit is a software (one of the BIM tools), widely used all over the world for the purpose of creating such 3D BIM Models.

What is BIM?

BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling. As the term suggests, the core of BIM is INFORMATION.

BIM is an intelligent model-based Process/Methodology which creates 3D building design models containing every information needed for the construction of a building. It facilitates the coordination and collaboration between different teams associated with the project. AEC professionals can more efficiently design, build and operate buildings and infrastructures.

The term BIM was coined by Autodesk– maker of BIM software platforms such as Revit and AutoCAD, has described it pretty well in one line – “A change anywhere is change everywhere” and that is instant with no user intervention. A true BIM model consists of the virtual equivalents of the actual building parts and pieces used to build a building which means a building can be “built” even before its physical realization through a virtual model.

5 benefits of BIM implementation is a strong proposition over conventional CAD techniques, which can positively impact on a large scale in the AEC industry.

What is Revit?

Revit is a software by Autodesk built for BIM with the features for architectural, MEP- (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and structural disciplines of the AEC industry. Revit is an integral tool that creates 3D models which are an integral part of BIM. Revit and many other tools/software are utilized in making BIM that helps designers design, coordinate, collaborate, and simulate the integrated design. As we said, BIM provides the information, Revit is one of the mediums where we can create and access this information.

There are other modeling platforms available for the same purpose, such as ArchiCAD, SketchUp, BIMx, Bently, etc providing platforms for 3D modeling. Revit is one of the most prevalent tools used to make 2D drawings (such as floor plans, and elevations), 3D BIM modeling, 3D rendering, generating cost schedules, and collaboration. It allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D, and access building information from the building model’s database.

How Does Revit Provide the Supporting Platform to BIM?

BIM is a process in which all the information of the 3D building models is linked and incorporated to produce a comprehensive 3D model. Therefore, Revit is one of the software which supports BIM by creating the data-based model of architectural design, structural design, and MEP design. Any changes made to data input are automatically updated in all Revit output. So, with Revit, you can streamline the design documentation process and maximize productivity.

The design in Revit can be viewed in 2D drawing or even in the 3D model for better visualization. Revit enables all stakeholders to taking accurate decisions with the detailed information shared by the Revit model. Autodesk Revit enables users to get the virtual models of a building project so they could have a virtual experience of the building before its actual construction.

So BIM is a comprehensive process where a portion of it is executed by the Revit platform. Revit is a tool utilized to implement in AEC projects.

Feel free to check out our comprehensive BIM Services catered to all the AEC professionals.