Revit MEP Visibility Graphics for Linked Architectural Models

Revit uses the visibility graphics dialog to control if components are shown and how they are represented. I think this is one of the hardest things to get used to in Revit MEP. Below I have shown one possible way to control visibility graphics from a MEP view point. Every office is different, so some things will most likely not work for everyone.

In a Revit MEP project file with a linked architectural Revit model, type VG to open the visibility graphics dialog. The category tabs highlighted in yellow in the image below separate the components to be controlled.

The Model Categories tab controls only the 3 dimensional components in the host (current) model. Architectural components that may be drawn in the host model are not shown in this dialog by default. Check the “Show categories from all disciplines” box highlighted in cyan below to display them if needed. A typical cut plane is set at 4’-0” above the floor. To change the color, pattern, weight or pattern of a diffuser on the floor; select an open cell under the heading of Projection/Surface. An electrical panel that is being divided by the cut plane should be edited under the heading Cut highlighted in grey below. Items can be made halftoned or transparent by checking the appropriate check boxes highlight in light red and red below. Detail levels can also be by component type.

The Annotation Categories tab controls 2 dimensional annotations and symbols in the host model.

The Imported Categories tab controls linked or inserted DWG files in the host model.

The Filters tab is used to control visibility to a finer level in particular components.

The Revit Links tab controls the way the linked Revit files appear. Change the Display Setting to Custom for the linked file (circled in red). In the Basics tab select Custom (circled in green) and change the linked view to reference the view in the architectural view used for the floor plan. This will link in important annotation like the room names and column grids. The rest of the options are circled in blue below.

In the Model Categories tab turn off any component types which are not necessary for that view. Turn off a default fill in walls deselect the sub wall components circled in red below, then turn off the cut pattern fill by selecting the override circled in black and deselecting the Visible check box circled in green in the image below.

Select all the model components and check the Transparent Check box circled in yellow bellow.

In the Annotations Categories tab turn off all of the annotations except room tag and grid lines.