Is it possible to work in 2D and 3D at the same time in Revit?
Short Answer
Yes, it is possible to work in 2D and 3D at the same time in Revit by keeping a plan, section, or drafting view open alongside a 3D view using Tile Views. This is the most common professional method for coordinating model edits and annotations visually. Limitation: 2D detail items only appear in their specific 2D views.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Revit does not let one single view behave as both true 2D drafting space and full 3d modeling space at once. A common failure is adding detail lines or detail components in a plan view and expecting them to appear in the 3D view—they will not.
How to Do It
Command: Tile Views
Shortcut: WT
Quick Steps:
- Open a 2d view such as Floor Plan from the Project Browser, then open a 3D view from the Project Browser.
- On the View tab, Windows panel, click Tile Views to display both views at once.
- Turn on Reveal Constraints or adjust Detail Level / Visual Style in the view control Bar as needed, then edit the model in one view while monitoring the other.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Visual Style / Detail Level in the View Control Bar
Expert Setting: Set the 3D view to Wireframe or hidden line and adjust Detail Level to Coarse, Medium, or Fine for faster navigation and clearer coordination with the 2D view.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): 2D detail elements such as Detail Lines, Detail Components, and region-based annotations are view-specific and do not exist as 3D model geometry.
Cause 2 (layers/Locks): View Template assignment can lock visibility/Graphics, Detail Level, or Visual Style, preventing the 2D or 3D view from displaying what you expect.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users often confuse model lines with detail lines; only model-based elements can be seen across multiple views including 3D.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
Quick Fix: Use Tile Views and replace any needed cross-view 2D sketching with model line instead of detail line when the geometry must appear in both 2D and 3D.
Manager’s Verdict: This is the right workflow for coordination, modeling, and checking alignment. Avoid relying on view-specific 2D drafting elements when the intent is to control or verify 3D model geometry.
FAQ
Can I draw in plan and see it update in 3D immediately?
Yes, if you are editing real model elements or model lines.
Do detail lines show in 3D views?
No, detail lines are only visible in the view where they were created.
Can Revit display multiple views at once?
Yes, use Tile Views to show plan, section, elevation, and 3D views together.
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