Revit 2024 – Showing image in the background of a Revit View

By Dennis Collin

I was recently asked if it was possible to place a photo image in the background of a Revit model, like a sky background, colour gradient or a site photo. The answer is yes, and it is quite simple process.

Whilst hidden style views are adequate for working and communicating at early stages, being able to show some shadows and backgrounds help convey design concepts more effectively. To enhance a projects 3D section or elevation view, choose Graphic Display Options on the visual styles selector.

Graphic display allows users to define a range of visual display options and apply a range of different options to a view template.

Notice the background options. These include:

• None
• Sky
• Gradient
• Image

Sky is a procedural function with a procedural sky background with an option to set a RGB colour for the Ground plane. The Gradient Option is also procedural, using a colour ramp where RGB colours can blend between the Sky, Horizon and Ground plane components. The Image option applies an image background as a background plane with options to use the original image size, stretch to fit or constrain to either the Width or the Height of the original image. It is also possible to adjust the image offset to suit.

Most popular image formats are supported. For best output results, ensure the image is of a suitable high-quality resolution (typically around 1920x1080 pixels or better).

For higher quality outputs or something that is a bit more interactive, like a panorama, consider other products like 3ds Max or Autodesk’s Cloud Rendering Tools, or add-ins like Enscape or VRay.

For more information, please contact one of the team on 0330 551 9420 or visit cadline.co.uk and use the quick chat facility where we will be happy to discuss a range of visualisation solutions.