Autodesk Point Layout
Autodesk Point Layout is a construction layout software that automates the placement and management of layout points in BIM and CAD models. It bridges the gap between digital design and field execution by enabling precise positioning of elements such as walls, columns, hangers, and anchors directly on the job site.
Accurate Field Layout from the BIM Model
Point Layout allows contractors to generate and manage field-ready points from Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks models. These points can then be exported to robotic total stations (RTS) for precise, GPS-assisted on-site layout and installation.
Streamline Construction Workflows
Minimize manual measurements and layout errors with automated point creation rules, clash-aware placement, and model-driven validation. Improve collaboration between design and field teams and reduce costly rework by ensuring every point is accurate and verifiable.
Bidirectional Data Exchange
Bring field verification data back into your Revit or AutoCAD model for as-built comparison and clash checking. Autodesk Point Layout ensures your digital model reflects actual site conditions—improving quality control and handover accuracy.
Key Features
- Generate layout points directly in Revit, AutoCAD, or Navisworks
- Export to robotic total stations (RTS) for GPS-guided layout
- Automated point placement rules and layer control
- Field-to-BIM integration for as-built verification
- Supports hangers, embeds, columns, slabs, anchors, and more
- Compatible with Trimble, Leica, and Topcon layout hardware
Who Uses Point Layout?
Point Layout is used by general contractors, MEP trades, BIM coordinators, and field engineers in construction, industrial installation, and facility layout. It helps teams improve efficiency, layout accuracy, and field-to-office coordination for successful BIM-to-field implementation.
⚠️ IMPORTANT:
Windows Only: Point Layout is a Plugin and has no native macOS version.
Host Software: It cannot run alone. You must have a compatible version of AutoCAD, Revit, or Navisworks installed first.
Field Hardware: If you intend to connect a laptop/tablet to a robotic Total Station (Topcon, Leica, Trimble) for field layout, a Windows device is the industry standard due to driver compatibility.
📍 System Requirements: Autodesk Point Layout (2023–2026)
| Operating System (OS) |
64-bit Windows 10 (v1809+)<br>64-bit Windows 11
|
Windows 11<br>(Recommended for best driver compatibility with field tablets)
|
| Host Software |
AutoCAD / Revit / Navisworks (2020–2026)<br>(Must be installed prior to Point Layout)
|
Revit 2023-2026 or Navisworks Manage 2023-2026<br>(Preferred hosts for BIM coordination workflows)
|
| Processor (CPU) |
Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 (2.5 GHz) |
Intel Core i7 / i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 / 9<br>Speed: 3.0 GHz+<br>(Exporting thousands of points from Revit depends on single-core CPU speed)
|
| Memory (RAM) |
8 GB |
16 GB (Standard Layout)<br>32 GB (If running inside Revit/Navisworks with large models)
|
| Graphics (GPU) |
DirectX 11 compliant card |
4 GB+ VRAM<br>DirectX 12 compliant<br>(Requirements depend heavily on the Host application)
|
| Disk Space |
1 GB (Plugin only)
|
SSD (Solid State Drive)<br>(Recommended to keep 50GB+ free for point export files .CSV/.TXT)
|
| Display |
1280 x 1024 |
1920 x 1080 (FHD)<br>(High resolution is better for office-based point planning)
|
| Connectivity |
USB 2.0 / Bluetooth |
USB / Bluetooth / Serial Adapter<br>(Required to physically connect to Total Station hardware)
|
| Framework |
.NET Framework 4.8 |
.NET 8 (For 2025/2026 versions) |
🍏 Advice for Mac Users (macOS)
Autodesk Point Layout does not support macOS.
Because Point Layout relies on the Windows COM API to talk to Revit/Navisworks, and because survey hardware drivers are almost exclusively Windows-based, Mac users have limited options:
| Native Mac |
❌ Impossible
|
There is no installer for Mac. AutoCAD for Mac does not support this plugin.
|
| Parallels Desktop |
⚠️ Limited
|
You can run Revit + Point Layout in a Virtual Machine for Office Work (creating points).<br>Risk: The Virtual Machine often fails to recognize USB/Bluetooth connections to robotic Total Stations. Not recommended for Field Work.
|
| Boot Camp |
✅ Recommended
|
(Intel Macs Only) Running native Windows is the only reliable way to connect to survey hardware on Apple devices. |
💡 Performance & Field Advice
Tablet vs. Laptop:
Point Layout is often used on construction sites. The Microsoft Surface Pro or Dell Latitude Rugged tablets are the industry standard for this software because they run full Windows but are portable enough to carry to the tripod.
Host Selection:
AutoCAD: Best for 2D floor plan layout.
Revit: Best for component-based layout (hangers, sleeves, anchor bolts).
Navisworks: Best for aggregated coordination layout (e.g., laying out points from both Structure and MEP models simultaneously).
Coordinate Systems:
Ensure your Host Application (Revit/Civil 3D) is using the correct Shared Coordinates before placing points. If the coordinates are wrong in the host, the Total Station will not find the points in the real world.
