Adding a level in Revit means creating a horizontal reference plane that represents a floor or story height in your building model

To add a level, open the Level tool from the Build panel on the Home tab, or use the keyboard shortcut LL. The cursor changes to a crosshair. Draw a horizontal line at the height where you want the level to sit — this line becomes the level datum. The level appears as a horizontal blue line with a label showing its elevation (usually "Level 1", "Level 2", and so on). Revit automatically assigns a name and elevation value based on where you place it.

You can also add levels through the Elevation view. Open any elevation view from the Project Browser, then use the Level tool the same way. Drawing in elevation view is often easier because you can see existing levels and measure distances between them as you work.

Key Takeaways

  • The Level tool is on the Home tab under Build, or press LL to activate it quickly.
  • Draw a horizontal line in plan or elevation view to place a level at that height.
  • Revit names levels automatically (Level 1, Level 2) but you can rename them afterward by double-clicking the label.
  • Levels control floor heights and appear in all views — changing a level's elevation updates the entire model.
  • Use the elevation view to add levels when you need to see existing levels and measure spacing between them.

Where to find the Level tool

The Level tool lives in the Build panel on the Home tab of the ribbon. Click the icon that looks like a horizontal line with a label, or press LL on your keyboard. The keyboard shortcut is faster once you know it.

If you cannot find the Build panel, make sure you are on the Home tab and not another tab like Modify or Analyze. The Home tab is the default tab that appears when you open a project.

Drawing a level in plan view

Open a plan view — usually the view called "Level 1" or "Ground Floor" in your Project Browser. Activate the Level tool. Your cursor becomes a crosshair. Click once to set the start point of the level line, then click again to set the end point. The level line should span across your entire plan, usually from left to right or front to back. Revit does not care which direction you draw; the level is horizontal either way.

After you place the level, a label appears showing its name and elevation. The elevation is measured from a reference point called the Project Base Point, which is usually set to zero. If you place a level 12 feet above the existing ground level, Revit shows the elevation as 12'-0".

Drawing a level in elevation view

Elevation view is often the better choice because you can see the heights of existing levels and measure the distance between them. Open an elevation view from the Project Browser — usually called "South Elevation" or "East Elevation". Activate the Level tool and draw a horizontal line at the height where you want the new level. The line should span the full width of the elevation view.

In elevation view, you can see exactly how far apart your levels are. If you want each floor to be 12 feet tall, you can count up from the level below and place the new level at the right height. This method reduces mistakes and makes it easier to maintain consistent floor-to-floor heights across your model.

Renaming and adjusting levels after you create them

Revit assigns default names like "Level 1" and "Level 2" to new levels. To rename a level, double-click the level label in any view. A dialog box opens where you can type a new name — for example, "Ground Floor", "Second Floor", or "Roof". Press Enter to save the new name. The name updates everywhere in the model.

To change a level's elevation, click the level line to select it, then look at the Properties panel on the right. Find the Elevation field and type a new value. You can also drag the level line up or down in elevation view to move it visually, and Revit updates the elevation value automatically.

Why levels matter in your Revit model

Levels control where floors, ceilings, and walls sit in your building. When you place a floor slab, you assign it to a level — the floor automatically sits at that level's elevation. If you later move the level up or down, the floor moves with it. This connection between levels and building elements means you can adjust floor heights across your entire project by editing a single level, rather than moving each floor individually.

Levels also determine which views appear in your Project Browser. Each level usually has a corresponding plan view. If you add a new level called "Third Floor", Revit creates a new plan view for that level so you can draw walls, place doors, and add other elements at that height.

Common mistakes when adding levels

The most common mistake is drawing a level that is not horizontal. If you draw a slanted line, Revit still creates a level, but it may not behave as expected. Always draw horizontal lines — use the grid or snap to existing levels to keep your line straight.

Another mistake is placing levels too close together or forgetting to account for floor thickness. If your floor slab is 1 foot thick, and you want 10 feet of clear floor-to-floor height, place the next level 11 feet above the current one. Check your building code or architectural standards for the floor-to-floor heights required in your project.

A third mistake is adding levels in only one view and forgetting they appear everywhere. If you add a level in a plan view, it shows up in all elevation views and sections too. This is usually helpful, but it means you should coordinate with your team before adding levels so everyone is working with the same level structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a level that is not horizontal?

Revit is designed for horizontal levels. If you need a sloped surface — like a ramp or a sloped roof — use a different tool such as the Roof tool or a sloped floor. Levels should always be horizontal reference planes.

What happens if I delete a level?

If you delete a level, any elements assigned to that level (like floors or plan views) may be affected. Revit usually warns you before deleting a level that has elements on it. If you delete a level by accident, use Ctrl+Z to undo immediately.

Can I change a level's name after I create it?

Yes. Double-click the level label in any view to open the rename dialog. Type the new name and press Enter. The name updates throughout your entire project.

How do I see all the levels in my project at once?

Open an elevation view from the Project Browser. All levels in your project appear as horizontal lines in the elevation, so you can see their names, elevations, and spacing all at once. This is the best way to review your level structure.

What is the difference between a level and a reference plane?

A level is a special type of reference plane that generates plan views and controls floor heights. A reference plane is a general-purpose datum that does not create views. Use levels for floors and stories; use reference planes for other construction geometry.