LearnRevitAPI
⛔Avoid these 9 most common Revit API mistakes beginners make
May 15, 2025
Avoid These Mistakes
Hi There,
Probably there is something on your mind that keeps you from getting started with Revit API or Python.
The thing is - I keep hearing about the same mistakes over and over. And that's okay. I've also made the same mistakes, and I want to point them out so you:
✅ Become aware of them
✅ And implement solutions quicker
So, let's make sure you avoid these mistakes.
Mistake #1: Ignoring The Basics
Majority (myself included) jump straight into creating Add-Ins before understanding Python basics. This leads to messy, inefficient code and a lot of frustration learning API because lack of basics hold you back.
However, once you learn the basics, Revit API will go much easier.
✅ Solution:Focus on one thing at the time. Start with Python basics until you feel comfortable with loops, functions and other core concepts.There are plenty of free courses, so make sure you find something you enjoy to better learn the concepts.P.S. |
#2: Overlook Documentation
Revit API documentation can be overwhelming at first glance with thousands of classes, methods, and properties. However, understanding how to navigate and read it is essential for your Revit API journey.
✅ Solution:Check this lesson from LearnRevitAPI Course. I'll take you through the Docs and explain what do you actually need to pay attention to.Learn how to find what you needAnd how to use it in the code |
Mistake #3: Not Reusing Your Code Early
Remember: "Good programmers code, but great programmers reuse code!"
Once you start copy-pasting your code multiple times - you commited the greatest sin of programming. The goal of programming is to be efficient, and that also applies to how you write your code.
✅ Solution:Start Reusing your code as soon as possible.And if you don't know how, then check this video where I will show you how to organize and reuse your code with pyRevit. |
Mistake #4: Ignoring Code Samples
Why reinvent the wheel🛞?
pyRevit is open-source with thousand code sample (if you know where to look). And it's always worth spending 5-10 minutes looking for similar code to what you're about to do, instead of starting from scratch.
✅ Solution:Find existing codeUnderstand how it worksAdjust to your own needs.💡 Use ALT + CLICK on any pyRevit tools to open the source folder, including additional extensions like EF-Tools.Want thousands of examples? Search for pyRevit on GitHub |
Mistake #5: Ignoring Backups
We all know we should back up our work, but many postpone it until it's too late. One mistake and you can lose hundreds of hours worth of code. (it even happened to me...)
It's not Fun to lose code!
✅ Solution:Establish a backup routine for your code.You can use services like DropBox, but as a developer you should learn how to use GitHub. Git is the best way to save and share your code.New to Git? |
Mistake #6: Ignoring API Changes
Each year brings a new Revit version with new API features, but also potential breaking changes. Tools that work perfectly in one version might fail in another.
And while it's not often, we need to address any changes in our code so tools work in multiple versions.
✅ Solution:Test your tools across multiple Revit versions and once you find the difference, make sure you address it in your code.P.S. |
Mistake #7: Not Handling Errors
It's okay to code dirty during development, but once it works, you better implement error handling.
You don't want anyone in your office to click a button and get a huge wall of red text. That's embarassing, especially when your boss is near.
✅ Solution:✔️ Test various scenarios |
Mistake #8: Using Wrong Units
Don't forget that Revit API uses feet internally. So whenever you read or write values with units, ensure that you convert feet to metric or vice-versa.
A lot of people waste hours on trying to solve an issue with parameter values or coordinates, when there isn't even an issue. They just compare wrong units, good luck debugging that....
✅ Solution:🧠 Remember that you work with feet in Revit API. Code sample to convert units:  |
Mistake #9 - Not Asking For Help
Lastly, Ask for help when you need it the most.
Many try to do everything on their own and waste hundreds of hours and pick bad habits in the process. Personally, I spent countless evenings looking for very simple answers online.
If only there was a program back then that could save me all this time...
✅ Solution:✔️ Ask for help |
✨The Ultimate Solution
I've shown you the top 9 mistakes beginners make. But there are many more and you can avoid all these mistakes.
How? Get the right training from the start and join a private community for help when you need it the most.
That's exactly what LearnRevitAPI Academy gives you.
I made this platform with everything you need to become a Revit Automation Expert using Revit API + Python.
This step-by-step training works for both:
Absolute beginners
Intermediate developers
You will learn everything without feeling lost and get quick results to wow your boss with your new custom tools for Revit.
This is not just a course. It's a library of tutorials you can use again and again. Plus, you get a community with hundreds of developer where you can get help.
Click Here to join hundreds of other developers!
See you inside!
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