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

A level in Revit is a reference plane that sits at a specific height in your building. It anchors floors, walls, ceilings, and other elements to that height. When you add a level, you are telling Revit "this is where a floor exists" or "this is where a story begins." Revit uses levels to organize your model vertically and to control which elements appear on which floor plans.

The most direct way to add a level is through the Level tool in the Build panel. You access this by going to the Architectural tab (or Structure tab, depending on your discipline), finding the Level button, and clicking it. Revit then switches to an elevation view — usually the East or West elevation — where you can draw the level as a horizontal line at the height you want.

You can also add levels in section views or in any elevation view. The process is the same: set up the Level tool, then click and drag horizontally to create the line at your chosen height. Revit automatically names new levels "Level 1," "Level 2," and so on, but you can rename them when ready after creation or later by double-clicking the level name in the Project Browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Levels are horizontal reference planes that anchor floors and walls to specific heights in your building model.
  • You create a level by clicking the Level button in the Architectural or Structure tab, then drawing a horizontal line in an elevation or section view.
  • Revit names new levels automatically, but you can rename them by double-clicking the name in the Project Browser.
  • Every floor plan in your project is tied to a level, so adding a level also creates a new floor plan view.
  • You can adjust a level's height after creation by selecting it and dragging it, or by typing a new elevation value in the properties panel.

Where to find the Level tool

The Level tool lives in the Build panel on the Architectural tab (or the Structure tab if you are working in a structural discipline). Look for an icon that shows a horizontal line with dimension marks. Click it once, and Revit switches your view to an elevation — usually East or West — where you can draw the level.

If you are already in an elevation view or a section view, you can set up the Level tool without switching views. The tool works in any view where you can see the vertical axis of your building. If you are in a floor plan view, the Level tool will not work because floor plans are horizontal and cannot show the height dimension you need to set.

Drawing the level line and setting its height

Once the Level tool is active, your cursor changes to a crosshair. Move to the elevation view and click the point where you want the level to start, then click again to the right to complete the horizontal line. The line does not have to span the entire width of your view — Revit will extend it automatically to fill the view width.

As you draw, Revit shows you the elevation value in real time. If you know the exact height you want, you can type the number before you click the second point. For example, if you want a level at 12 feet, type "12'" and then click to place it. Revit will snap the level to that height.

After you place the level, a dialog box appears asking you to name it. The default name is the next number in sequence (Level 1, Level 2, etc.), but you can type a custom name like "Ground Floor" or "Second Floor" right then. You can also leave the default name and rename it later.

Renaming levels and adjusting their height

To rename a level after you have created it, open the Project Browser (usually on the left side of your screen) and find the Levels section. Right-click the level name and select Rename, or straightforward double-click the name and type the new one. Custom names make your project easier to navigate, especially if you have many levels.

To change a level's height, select the level in an elevation or section view by clicking on the line itself. The properties panel on the right shows an Elevation field with the current height. Click that field and type a new value, then press Enter. Revit will move the level and update all elements anchored to it.

You can also drag a level up or down in an elevation view to change its height visually. Click the level line and drag it to the new position. Revit shows the new elevation value as you drag, so you can see exactly where you are moving it.

What happens when you add a level

Adding a level does two things at once: it creates the reference plane itself, and it creates a new floor plan view tied to that level. When you add "Level 2," Revit automatically generates a floor plan view called "Level 2" in your Project Browser. That floor plan shows all elements that are hosted on or cut by that level.

This automatic floor plan creation is why levels matter so much in Revit. You do not create floor plans separately — they flow from the levels you define. If you delete a level, Revit deletes its floor plan view as well, so be careful when removing levels from an existing model.

Common reasons levels do not appear or behave as expected

If you create a level but do not see it in your floor plan views, check that the level is actually visible. In the View Properties panel, look for the Underlay section. Make sure the correct level is selected as the underlay, and that the underlay is set to show. If the underlay is turned off, the level will not display in your floor plan.

If a level appears in the Project Browser but you cannot see it in your elevation view, zoom out or pan to find it. New levels are sometimes placed outside the current view window. You can also select the level in the Project Browser and press the spacebar to zoom to it.

If you try to add a level but the Level tool does not set up, make sure you are in an elevation or section view, not a floor plan. The Level tool only works in views where the vertical axis is visible. Also check that you are on the correct tab — the Architectural tab for architectural levels, or the Structure tab for structural levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a level in a floor plan view?

No. The Level tool only works in elevation and section views, where you can see the vertical dimension of your building. If you need to add a level, switch to an elevation view first, then use the Level tool there.

What happens to elements on a floor when I delete a level?

Deleting a level also deletes the floor plan view associated with that level. Any elements hosted on that level (like walls or floors) will be deleted as well. Revit warns you before this happens, so you have a chance to cancel if you change your mind.

Can I rename a level after I have already created floor plans from it?

Yes. When you rename a level, Revit automatically renames the floor plan view to match. All elements stay in place — renaming only changes the label, not the actual level or the views tied to it.

How do I move a level to a different height without deleting and recreating it?

Select the level in an elevation or section view, then either drag it to the new height or change the Elevation value in the properties panel. All elements hosted on that level will move with it.

Do I need to create a level for every floor in my building?

Yes. Each floor plan in your project must be tied to a level. If you have a five-story building, you need at least five levels — one for each floor. You can also add intermediate levels for mezzanines, mechanical floors, or other partial stories.