> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.mksdtech.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.mksdtech.com/beam/beam-for-revit/using-beam-for-revit.md).

# Getting Started

Find the BEAM tools in Autodesk® Revit™

## The BEAM tab

The tools are on the **BEAM** tab of the Revit ribbon.

<figure><img src="https://1008084047-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M20iL6J8Vf1nWgor7JL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-927ecc1a28460a166d34a934bd1a3d69d432ecea%2Fmock-revit-ribbon.png?alt=media" alt="BEAM ribbon tab in Revit" width="640"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

| Button      | Tooltip                                           | Available in                    |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **BEAM**    | Import Geometry from Rhino                        | Projects and families           |
| **URSA**    | Place Families by points and polylines from Rhino | Projects                        |
| **BLOCS**   | Place Families using Rhino Blocks                 | Projects                        |
| **RAY**     | Export Revit Geometry and Data                    | Always, when Rhino is installed |
| **RHINO**   | Open Rhino                                        | When Rhino is installed         |
| **License** | Manage License                                    | Always                          |
| **About**   | About BEAM                                        | Always                          |

**License** and **About** are in the slide-out under the panel.

Press **F1** on any BEAM button to open its page in this manual.

## Which tool to use

* To import geometry and blocks with simple options, use [BEAM](/beam/beam-for-revit/beam.md).
* To place blocks with more control, use [BLOCS](/beam/beam-for-revit/blocs.md).
* To place components on curves and points, use [URSA](/beam/beam-for-revit/ursa.md).
* To send Revit geometry and data to Rhino, use [RAY](/beam/beam-for-revit/ray.md).
* To read *.beam* files in Dynamo, use the [Dynamo nodes](/beam/beam-for-revit/dynamo.md).

## Dialog toolbar

Every BEAM dialog in Revit has the same toolbar.

* **Get help** on the left opens the page for that tool.
* The folder icons on the right set, reset and open the [.beam directory](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/beam-directory.md).

## Rhino inside Revit

**RAY** and **RHINO** run Rhino inside the Revit process.

| Revit          | Rhino needed       |
| -------------- | ------------------ |
| 2019 – 2024    | Rhino 7 or Rhino 8 |
| 2025 and later | Rhino 8            |

RAY and RHINO are not available in Revit 2018.

If both Rhino 7 and Rhino 8 are installed, BEAM asks which one to use in this Revit session.

<figure><img src="https://1008084047-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M20iL6J8Vf1nWgor7JL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c07d6e0c2cb3e9f780a4183d3c6e42bc9173ab79%2Fmock-revit-rhino-version.png?alt=media" alt="Rhino version chooser" width="450"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click **RHINO** to open that Rhino window. You can model in it and use it next to Revit.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If Rhino.Inside.Revit is also installed, launch Rhino from Rhino.Inside.Revit instead, to avoid conflicts. See [Troubleshooting](/beam/troubleshooting.md).
{% endhint %}

## Results and updates

When an import finishes, BEAM shows a summary: **Completed**, **Failed**, **Excluded** and total time. If elements failed, a second dialog lists them. **Copy To Clipboard** copies their GUIDs, so you can find them in Rhino with [Select by Guid](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/beam.md#select-by-guid).

When a new version is out, BEAM offers to open the [changelog](/changelog.md), once per session.