What are 'Reference Planes' used for in Revit?

Reference planes in Revit are essential for providing an invisible grid that helps users organize and align building components accurately within the model. They serve as construction guides that define a specific location in 3D space, allowing for precise placement of elements such as walls, doors, and windows. When architects and designers create elements, utilizing reference planes ensures that these components are not only placed correctly relative to each other but also adhere to the intended design of the project.

For instance, when creating complex geometries or multi-part assemblies, reference planes can be used as starting points or limits for sketching profiles. They can aid in aligning similar components across different views and help maintain uniformity, especially in large projects where extensive elements are involved. This functionality ultimately contributes to increased accuracy and efficiency throughout the design process.