What is the primary difference between using opening elements and sketching the profile?

The primary difference between using opening elements and sketching the profile lies in how these two methods interact with the wall geometry in Revit. Opening elements, such as doors and windows, directly interact with walls as integrated components. They are designed to be part of the wall system, meaning they automatically affect the geometry of walls by creating true openings that are associated with specific wall types and configurations.

On the other hand, when you sketch a profile to create an opening, you are defining a custom shape or void in the wall that does not have the same built-in relationship with the wall as opening elements do. This sketch is more of a flexible guide that can be manipulated or adjusted independently, meaning that it does not function as an integral part of the wall itself. This lack of association means the sketch can be moved around without affecting the wall structure itself, giving more flexibility in design.

Understanding this distinction is crucial when choosing between different methods of creating openings in your architectural models. Utilizing opening elements is recommended for standardized applications where you want the opening to remain associated with the wall, while sketching a profile can be advantageous for more customized designs that require specific shapes that aren’t readily created with standard components.