Instant Revit!: A Quick and Easy Guide to Learning Autodesk Revit 2017

In this review of Instant Revit!: A Quick and Easy Guide to Learning Autodesk Revit 2017, the bottom line is simple: this short, project-driven manual is aimed squarely at students and self-taught beginners who need a practical, hands-on introduction to Revit 2017. The book's biggest selling point is its step-by-step project tutorials with screenshots that walk a reader through real tasks in the program, so a newcomer can move from basic 2D views to a complete two-story residential project with clear, incremental instruction. It reads like a classroom primer rather than an exhaustive reference.

Key Features

• Step-by-step tutorials: Project-based lessons guide the reader through workflows so learners can practice while following along with screenshots.
• Warm-up projects: Short initial exercises familiarize students with the Revit interface and basic 2D drawing tools for immediate hands-on experience.
• Progressive learning: The book moves from simple single-story drawings to a final two-story residential project, helping build skills in logical stages.
• Imperial units: All projects use Imperial units (ft and in), which benefits users working on U.S.-based architectural projects or classroom settings that require those units.
• Screenshot-driven explanations: Visual guidance reduces guesswork and helps readers match the on-screen program to the book's instructions.

Who It's For

This guide is best for architecture students, drafting instructors, and self-learners who need a concise, project-focused introduction to Revit 2017. It suits those who prefer learning by doing, as the three warm-up projects and a culminating two-story residential project provide practical tasks rather than abstract theory.

It is less appropriate for seasoned Revit users or professionals seeking advanced modeling, rendering, or BIM management techniques; those readers should look for more comprehensive titles covering later Revit versions or advanced workflows.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, screenshot-based tutorials make the interface and commands easy to follow for beginners.
• Warm-up projects provide low-stakes practice so users can build confidence before tackling larger work.
• Final two-story residential project ties earlier lessons together into a realistic outcome.
• Uses Imperial units, which is useful for U.S. classrooms and projects.

Cons

• Focused on Revit 2017 and introductory material, so it does not cover newer features or advanced workflows.
• Not a comprehensive reference; users will need additional resources for in-depth BIM or advanced documentation topics.

Specifications

Title	Instant Revit!: A Quick and Easy Guide to Learning Autodesk Revit 2017
Author	David Martin
Focus	Introductory project tutorials for Revit 2017
Units	Imperial (ft and in)
Project types	Warm-up 2D projects and a two-story residential final project
Visual aids	Step-by-step screenshots

Our Verdict

Instant Revit! is a practical, classroom-style introduction that delivers clear, project-led instruction for beginners learning Revit 2017. It offers good value for students and self-learners who need a concise, hands-on guide in Imperial units, but professionals seeking advanced or current-version coverage should supplement it with more detailed resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes. The book begins with warm-up projects and step-by-step screenshots designed to introduce the Revit interface to newcomers.

Does it cover metric units?
No. All projects and examples use Imperial units (ft and in), so metric users may need to convert or seek a metric-focused guide.

Will this teach advanced Revit workflows?
No. The focus is on basic 2D work and a two-story residential project; advanced modeling and BIM management are outside its scope.