Optional: Configuring pyRevit

Introduction

This lesson is optional for learners using the Revit route.

We'll configure pyRevit to give you a stable testing environment for the course.

If you're using Rhino or standalone Python, skip this lesson.

Lesson Overview

This section contains a general overview of topics you will learn in this lesson.

• Install pyRevit (if you haven't already)
• Download the Python for Architects starter kit
• Understand pyRevit's folder structure
• Add the extension to pyRevit manually
• Verify the extension appears in Revit

Install pyRevit

If you haven't already, follow the previous lesson to install pyRevit.

Once installed, return here.

Download the Startup Kit

Extension Download

Download and unzip PythonForArchitects.zip

Do not rename the folder. pyRevit relies on the .extension suffix to recognize extensions.

Once unzipped, the extension is ready to use.

Extension Structure (For Awareness)

You don't need to memorize this, but understanding it helps when customizing tools later.

PythonForArchitects.extension
└── PythonForArchitects.tab
    ├── Sandbox.panel
    │   ├── Lesson 0.pushbutton
    │   │   └── script.py
    │   ├── Lesson 1.pushbutton
    │   │   └── script.py
    │   └── ...
    ├── Links.panel
    │   └── ...
    └── ...

pyRevit reads this folder structure and automatically generates the UI.

No compiling. No installers.

Add the Extension to pyRevit

1. Open pyRevit Settings in Revit
2. Locate Custom Extension Directories
3. Add the parent directory that contains PythonForArchitects.extension

Example path:

C:\\Users\\YourName\\Desktop\\PythonForArchitects

(Not the .extension folder itself — the folder that contains it)

1. Restart Revit

You should now see a new Ribbon tab called: PythonForArchitects

If the tab appears, the extension is installed correctly ✅

Assignment

1. Download and unzip the PythonForArchitects starter kit
2. Open pyRevit Settings in Revit
3. Add the parent directory to Custom Extension Directories
4. Restart Revit
5. Verify the PythonForArchitects tab appears in the Ribbon

Knowledge Check

The following questions are an opportunity to reflect on key topics in this lesson.

• What does pyRevit use to recognize an extension?
• Do you add the .extension folder or its parent directory to pyRevit settings?
• What does pyRevit automatically generate from the folder structure?

Additional Resources

This section contains helpful links to related content. It isn't required, so consider it supplemental.

• pyRevit documentation has detailed guides for advanced customization
• If your extension isn't showing up, check the pyRevit troubleshooting guide