Revit Print in Black Lines, Grayscale or Color
Revit Print Setup lets you choose Black Lines, Grayscale or Color output. The correct option depends on the deliverable, and the printer driver can still affect the final physical result.
Beginner takeaway: Choose appearance in Revit deliberately, then verify that the physical printer does not override or reinterpret it.
What you need to understand first
A model may display color for coordination while the issued drawing standard requires black linework or grayscale. Output appearance should be controlled as part of the print standard.
- Print Setup includes Black Lines, Grayscale and Color appearance options.
- The selected printer driver can influence final device output.
- View graphics and raster imagery may still create content-specific differences.
Related guides: Revit Lineweights for Printing: Model, Projection and Paper Output, AutoCAD Plots in Color Instead of Black, and AutoCAD grayscale.ctb Explained.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Define deliverable
Where: Project standard
Do this: Choose BW, grayscale or color for the issue.
Check: Output intent is clear.
Step 2 — Open Print Setup
Where: Print > Setup > Appearance
Do this: Select the intended color mode.
Check: Revit setting matches standard.
Step 3 — Preview/export sample
Where: Print Preview/PDF
Do this: Check linework, fills, images and legends.
Check: Revit output is correct.
Step 4 — Print same PDF
Where: Physical device
Do this: Use a neutral/approved driver preset.
Check: Hardcopy matches file.
Step 5 — Calibrate exceptions
Where: Problem sheets
Do this: Document image/gradient exceptions.
Check: Standard remains predictable.
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Color still prints | Revit/driver mode mismatch | Check both layers. |
| Grayscale too dark | View graphics/media | Calibrate fills and device. |
| Images remain colored unexpectedly | Raster/image behavior | Test affected view. |
| Black lines lose hierarchy | Lineweight issue | Review Revit lineweights. |
Practical example
A coordination model uses colored MEP systems but the permit set requires black linework. Set Black Lines in the approved Print Setting and test one sheet containing linework, filled regions and a raster logo before printing the entire set.
What not to do
- Do not change model category colors solely to get a black issue set.
- Do not assume the printer’s grayscale checkbox is equivalent to Revit’s appearance choice.
- Do not evaluate black/gray hierarchy without lineweight calibration.
Good office standard
Save separate named Print Settings for black-line, grayscale and color deliverables only when the project genuinely uses each.
Quick verification before you move on
- Use one representative drawing or sheet, not a production batch.
- Verify page size, orientation and a known dimension.
- Compare Preview/PDF with the physical output when a printer is involved.
- Save the setting or set only after the result is repeatable.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Where do I choose black lines?
In Revit Print Setup appearance settings.
Can the printer driver still change color output?
Yes. The downstream driver/device can override or reinterpret output.
Should I recolor the model for black printing?
No. Use output settings unless the model graphics themselves need a design change.
Explore more in Revit Printing & PDF Guide.