Revit for Landscape Architecture: Halftone Off-Site Elements

In Revit, one method to halftone off-site elements in a view is to utilize Parameters and View Filters.

The first step is to set up a Parameter that helps differentiate elements that are on-site versus off-site.

1. Go to the Manage tab > Settings panel > Project Parameters tool
2. Select the ‘Add’ button and create a parameter similar to that shown below. (Note: In the Categories section, make sure to check all necessary elements that the parameter will be used for.)

The next step is to input the value of this new Parameter for the various elements that are located off-site. In the example below, multiple trees are selected, and the value of the new Parameter found in the Properties Palette is filled in as ‘OFF-SITE’.

Next, create a View Filter that allows control of visibility settings for all off-site elements.

1. Go to the Properties Palette > Visibility /Graphics Override parameter and select the ‘Edit’ button.
2. In the dialog box, switch to the ‘Filters’ tab
3. Select the ‘Edit/New’ button and create a Rule-based Filter similar to the one shown below. Then select OK. (Note: In the Categories section, make sure to check all necessary elements that the filter will be used for. These must match categories checked when first creating the parameter.)

4. Back in the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, select the ‘Add’ button. Then select the new filter and hit OK.

1. Back in the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, the visibility settings can now be overridden for all off-site elements. As an example, check the box under the ‘Halftone’ column for the new filter. Then hit OK. (Note: Projection and Cut settings can also be overridden.)

In the view, all off-site elements should now display halftoned, similar to the image below.

Additionally, for more efficiency, the new View Filter can be included in View Templates.

About the Author

Sr Building Solutions Applications Expert<br><br>Katrina is a California-licensed architect with over 21 years of experience in the AEC industry. Her involvements include a wide range of project types, with specialization in commercial and hospitality. Katrina is a Revit Certified Professional and Autodesk Certified Instructor. She provides training, consulting, solutions and technical support to AEC companies.

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