Revit Lineweights for Printing: Model, Projection and Paper Output
Revit lineweights are not AutoCAD CTB mappings. Revit uses numbered lineweight assignments that map to real printed widths, with model lineweights varying by view scale.
Beginner takeaway: Calibrate Revit lineweights through its own object/category settings and real paper output, not by importing CTB assumptions.
What you need to understand first
Revit has its own graphic hierarchy. Model, perspective and annotation lineweight tables interact with object styles, view overrides and sheet scale.
- Revit lineweight numbers map to real-world printed widths.
- Model lineweight widths vary with view scale ranges.
- Object Styles and view/category overrides influence which lineweight number is used.
Related guides: AutoCAD Lineweights & Plot Thickness Guide, Revit Print in Black Lines, Grayscale or Color, and PDF Lineweights Are Correct but Plotter Lineweights Are Wrong.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Identify the element/category
Where: View > Visibility/Graphics / Object Styles
Do this: Find what controls the line.
Check: You know the assigned lineweight number.
Step 2 — Check view scale
Where: View properties
Do this: Confirm the view is at the intended scale.
Check: Model lineweight table uses the expected scale range.
Step 3 — Review lineweight table
Where: Manage > Additional Settings > Line Weights
Do this: Inspect the physical widths for the relevant scale/category.
Check: Mapping matches office hierarchy.
Step 4 — Print calibration sheet
Where: 100% on final paper
Do this: Compare thin/medium/heavy examples.
Check: Physical hierarchy is readable.
Step 5 — Adjust standards carefully
Where: Template/Object Styles/lineweight table
Do this: Change the governing standard, not random individual lines.
Check: Future views remain consistent.
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| All lines too heavy | Lineweight table/driver | Check physical calibration. |
| One category wrong | Object Styles/view override | Fix category control. |
| Different scale looks different | Model lineweight scale mapping | Review scale table. |
| PDF right, plotter wrong | Physical device | Calibrate printer path. |
Practical example
Walls look correct at 1:100 but too heavy in a 1:20 detail. Before overriding every wall, inspect how the model lineweight table maps the assigned number at different scale ranges and decide whether the office standard needs adjustment.
What not to do
- Do not look for a CTB to fix native Revit lineweights.
- Do not judge lineweight only on screen.
- Do not solve a category-wide issue with hundreds of element overrides.
Good office standard
Maintain a Revit lineweight calibration sheet containing common categories at the office’s major view scales and print it at 100%.
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
Does Revit use CTB files?
No. Revit uses its own lineweight/category/view graphics system.
Why can model lineweights differ by scale?
Revit maps model lineweight numbers to physical widths using view-scale ranges.
Should I calibrate on PDF or paper?
Use both: PDF verifies Revit output and hardcopy verifies the printer.
Explore more in Revit Printing & PDF Guide.