How to Create a Basic Wall in Revit Step by Step

How to Create a Basic Wall in Revit Step by Step

If you’re just starting with Revit, one of the first things you’ll need to know is how to create walls. Walls are more than lines—they give structure, define space, and carry important details like thickness and materials. Learning how to create a basic wall in Revit step by step is one of the best ways to build confidence in the software. In this guide, I’ll show you the process in a simple, beginner-friendly way.

Why Wall Creation in Revit Is So Important

Think of walls as the backbone of your design. Without them, doors, windows, and roofs have nowhere to live. In Revit, walls aren’t just 2D sketches—they are intelligent objects that hold data about your building. Once you understand how to place and edit them, you’ll unlock a whole world of BIM modeling possibilities.

Getting Started: How to Open the Wall Tool in Revit

To create a wall, go to the Architecture tab, look for the Build panel, and select Wall (Architecture). If you’re someone who likes speed, type WA on your keyboard. That’s the shortcut to activate the wall tool. Once it’s active, you’ll see options for how to draw walls in different ways.

• Architecture – Wall (Under Build panel) – Wall Architecture

• Can type WA as shortcut to create wall.

• Use the Draw panel commands like Line , Rectangle, Arc to create wall.

Walls Drawn using commands like Line , Rectangle, Arc.

• Panel below shows the Levels and Heights.

Drawing a Wall in Revit Step by Step

Now that the wall tool is open, let’s draw. You can use a straight line for simple walls or try the rectangle option for quick room layouts. If you want something more creative, the arc tool helps you make curved walls. Check the Chain option so you can keep placing walls without stopping. Need a rounded corner? Just add a radius and watch Revit do the work.

• By checking the chain box, the wall will be created continuously.

• By checking the Radius and entering radius value allows to create curved profile in the wall junctions.
• Allow keeps the joints between wall jointed, if not can choose Disallow.

Understanding Location Lines in Walls

This part can confuse beginners, but it’s easier than it looks. A location line is the reference point Revit uses to place your wall. You can choose from options like wall centerline, core centerline, or wall face. For most projects, core centerline works well if you’re aligning with structural grids. Once you practice, you’ll see how much precision location lines give you.

• Location line : Wall center line , Core centerline etc. allow to place the wall when need to place in the mid of grid line or can use core face when need to follow the core profile.

Keeping Wall Joints Clean and Neat

When two walls touch, Revit automatically joins them. This saves time and keeps corners tidy. But if you don’t want walls to merge, you can right-click and select Disallow Join. This is helpful when you’re working with different wall types or special design condition.

How to Create Custom Wall Types in Revit

A basic wall is fine for practice, but real projects often need unique walls. To make one, select your wall, then open the Properties Palette and choose Edit Type. Click Duplicate, give it a name like “230mm Brick Wall,” and hit Edit Structure. Now you can customize your wall with layers for structure, insulation, and finishes.

• In properties palette Edit type to create your own wall.

• In Type properties Duplicate and Create new wall type name 230mm wall.

• Click Edit in the Structure.

Adding Materials and Thickness to Your Wall

Inside the Edit Structure dialog, you’ll see a list of wall layers. Each layer can have its own thickness and material. For example, you could have a concrete core, insulation in the middle, and plaster on the outside. Revit also lets you reorder these layers to control how they stack. Once finished, click OK and save your custom wall.

• In Edit Assembly create Structure and finish for the wall as per your design.

• From the list of function set the Structure and finishes layer.

• Assign material and Thickness of the Layer.

• Use up, Down to move the created set.

• Once done click ok.

Helpful Beginner Tips for Wall Creation

When naming walls, keep the names clear and easy to understand. A name like “Interior Partition 100mm” is more helpful than something generic. Don’t create too many similar wall types—you’ll only confuse yourself later. And don’t worry if you make mistakes. Walls in Revit are easy to adjust, so try things out and learn as you go.

Quick Tip: Always zoom in after creating walls. Small alignment errors are easier to catch early before your project grows.

Wrapping Up: Your First Step in Revit Modeling

Now you know how to create a basic wall in Revit step by step. You’ve learned how to open the wall tool, draw different shapes, adjust location lines, and even create custom wall types. This is the first step toward mastering Revit. Once you feel comfortable with walls, you’ll be ready to add doors, windows, and even complex curtain wall systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the shortcut for creating a wall in Revit?
The shortcut is WA. Just type it in and the wall tool will open right away.

2. Can I create curved walls in Revit?
Yes. Use the Arc option when drawing or set a radius for rounded corners.

3. How do I change wall thickness?
Select the wall, go to Edit Type → Edit Structure, and adjust the thickness for each layer.

4. What’s the difference between wall centerline and core centerline?
Wall centerline measures from the middle of the entire wall. Core centerline measures from the structural core, which is more accurate for grid layouts.

5. Can I make my own wall library in Revit?
Yes. By duplicating and customizing wall types, you can save them for future projects. This keeps your workflow consistent.