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How to Layer 2D View in Revit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction: Why Layering 2D Views Matters
When you create drawings in Revit, a single view doesn’t always tell the whole story. A realistic view may look visually rich but can hide fine outlines. A hidden line view shows clarity in edges but lacks the realism of materials and textures. This is why layering 2D views is such a powerful tool.
By learning how to layer 2D view in Revit, you can combine the strengths of both styles. For example, you might show a building in realistic mode while keeping surrounding trees in hidden line style. The result is a presentation that looks professional and communicates design intent clearly.
Step 1: Copying the Elevation View
The first step in layering is to prepare two versions of the same view. Start by opening the elevation you want to use, for example, the South Elevation.
Right-click on it in the Project Browser. Choose Duplicate View → Duplicate with Detailing
This creates a copy of the original view with all detailing included. You’ll now have two versions of the same elevation: one to set as realistic and the other to set as hidden line.
Step 2: Setting Visual Styles for Each View
Once you have the two views, you need to give them different display styles. Keep the original South Elevation in Realistic Visual Style. This will be the base for your presentation, showing materials, shadows, and textures
For the duplicated copy, rename it something like South Copy-1. Open this view and set the visual style to Hidden Line. Then, go to Graphic Display Options and adjust edge settings to make outlines sharper. Now, you have one view focusing on realism and one on clarity.
Step 3: Preparing a Sheet for Layering
Now that your views are styled, it’s time to bring them together. Create a new sheet from the View → Sheet Composition tab
A blank sheet will open, ready to hold your layered elevations.
Name your sheet clearly, for example, South Elevation Layered. Keeping naming consistent helps you stay organized, especially if you’re preparing multiple sheets for a project.
Step 4: Placing the Views on the Sheet
Drag the original South Elevation (Realistic) from the Project Browser onto the sheet. Next, drag the duplicated copy (Hidden Line) and place it directly on top of the first view
Revit ensures duplicated views share the same alignment. If placed correctly, the hidden line version overlays perfectly on the realistic one. This creates the layered effect: trees and outlines in hidden line mode, with the building displayed in realistic style.
Step 5: Adjusting for Presentation Quality
The magic of layering comes in adjusting the final look. Use the hidden line layer to highlight elements like trees, site context, or structural outlines. The realistic base gives texture, depth, and shadows to the building.
You can fine-tune by editing the Graphic Display Options in both views. Try adjusting edge weights, shadow intensity, and background settings until you strike a balance. A good layered view communicates detail without looking cluttered.
Check the steps with below case example
Best Practices for Layering 2D Views in Revit
To get the best results, always duplicate views with detailing so linework and annotations remain consistent. Rename each view clearly to avoid confusion between your realistic and hidden versions.
When placing views on sheets, align them carefully. Even slight misalignment can make the sheet look messy. Lastly, consider saving Graphic Display Templates so you can quickly reuse settings for future projects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is forgetting to rename duplicated views. This makes it easy to mix them up when dragging onto sheets. Another error is not aligning views properly, which breaks the layered effect.
Some users also overload views with too many details—like extra site elements or unnecessary annotations—which makes the sheet feel cluttered. Focus only on what’s important for your presentation.
Use Cases of Layered 2D Views
Layered 2D views aren’t just a trick—they’re practical tools. For client presentations, they add both realism and clarity. Clients can see materials and textures while still understanding edges and outlines.
In competitions, layered views help judges grasp both design intent and context at a glance. For education, they serve as teaching diagrams, showing how a building fits within its surroundings. Even within teams, they can help clarify ideas by separating design elements from site context.
FAQs on Layering 2D Views in Revit
Can I layer more than two views?
Yes, but keep it simple. Too many overlays can make the sheet confusing.
Do templates work with layered views?
Yes, you can apply graphic display templates to each view for consistency.
Will hidden line settings show on the sheet?
Yes, they display as styled, but section boxes or work planes won’t show.
Can I export layered views to PDF?
Absolutely. When exported, the layered effect remains intact.
How do I align views perfectly?
Duplicating views keeps the camera setup the same, so alignment is automatic.
Conclusion: Adding Clarity and Depth to 2D Views
Mastering how to layer 2D view in Revit gives your drawings a professional edge. By combining realistic and hidden line styles, you create views that are both visually rich and technically clear.
The process is simple: duplicate, style, and overlay on a sheet. Yet the impact is huge—your presentations become cleaner, your diagrams more effective, and your clients more impressed. Try layering 2D views on your next project, and you’ll see how much of a difference it makes.
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