What is a Revit ʼTemplateʼ file (.rte) and why is it necessary?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

A Revit Template file (.rte) is the master starting file used to create new Revit projects with predefined views, families, standards, and settings. The most common professional method is to build or edit it through New using a project template. It does not automatically update projects already created from it.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your .rte file has wrong units, view templates, or loaded families, every new project started from it will inherit those problems. A common hidden failure is embedding outdated title blocks or obsolete shared parameters that break office standards later.

How to Create or Use a Revit Template

  • Command: New

  • Shortcut: Ctrl+N

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Go to the File tab > New > Project, then select an existing template in the Template file field.
    2. In the Create New area, choose Project and click OK to start from the .rte file.
    3. To make or edit a template, open a project, remove project-specific content, then use File > Save As > Template and set options like default view organization, loaded families, and Manage Links status.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Template file in the New Project dialog

  • Expert Setting: This option controls which .rte file supplies default project standards such as object styles, line weights, view templates, sheets, browser organization, and loaded annotation families. Choosing the wrong template is one of the fastest ways to create inconsistent project files.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The template contains unwanted model elements, levels, grids, or placeholder geometry, so every new project starts with incorrect base content.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Linked CAD files, pinned elements, or worksharing settings may be saved into the template, causing coordination or ownership problems in new projects.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users expect changes made to the .rte later to update existing projects, but Revit templates only affect new files created from that template.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Open the source file, purge unnecessary content, verify project units, view templates, families, and title blocks, then use Save As > Template to create a clean .rte.

  • Manager’s Verdict: Use a Revit template for every production project because it standardizes setup and reduces startup errors. Avoid overloading it with rarely used families or project-specific links that make every new file heavier and harder to manage.

FAQ

Can I convert an .rvt file into an .rte file?
Yes, use Save As > Template.

Does editing a Revit template change existing projects?
No, it only affects new projects created after the edit.

Should one company use multiple Revit templates?
Yes, separate templates are common for architecture, structure, and MEP workflows.

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