Smart Selection - User Guide & Reference

The Smart Selection utility (Selection category) Unified element selector and query filter. Features advanced criteria filtering by Revit link source, design option, active group, material parameters, in-place families, categories, types, and custom parameters. Integrates Quick Select, Select Similar, and Select on Sheets (Title blocks & CAD imports)..

1. Overview & Key Capabilities

The Smart Selection tool is designed to improve workflow efficiency by automating standard tasks. Key capabilities include:

• Unified element selector and query filter.
• Features advanced criteria filtering by Revit link source, design option, active group, material parameters, in-place families, categories, types, and custom parameters.
• Integrates Quick Select, Select Similar, and Select on Sheets (Title blocks & CAD imports).

2. Detailed Step-by-Step Usage

Follow these instructions to use the tool in your active Revit session:

1. Open the Smart Selection dialog.
2. Filter elements by active selection, active view, or entire project.
3. Choose sidebar filters: select by linked files, in-place instances, specific materials, group boundaries, or category names.
4. Select parameters (e.g. Room Name, Fire Rating) and enter keywords to search.
5. Click Select elements to update active Revit selections.

3. Technical Specifications & Under the Hood

Revit API Integration

• Key API Components: Selection.SetElementIds method interface, selection filters parsing using ElementFilter and multi-parameter filters (ParameterFilterRule).
• Transaction Handling: All modifications are packaged into a single Revit API transaction. If any error occurs, the changes are rolled back automatically to preserve model integrity.

[!TIP] Best Practice Tip: Create complex selection queries in the Modeless Smart Selection panel to quickly isolate or hide specific elements in design options.