The Revit Magic Box
BX Complete Guide
Two keystrokes. Infinite clarity. — Everything you need to know about the Section Box shortcut BX in Autodesk Revit.
Why Is BX Called the "Magic Box"?
When working in Autodesk Revit, navigating a large and complex 3D BIM model to focus on one specific element can be slow and frustrating. Endless zooming, rotating, and manual cropping eats up valuable time. The Selection Box (BX) solves all of this in under three seconds.
BX is a Revit keyboard shortcut that automatically wraps a perfectly fitted Section Box around any pre-selected element — instantly switching you to a focused 3D view. It cuts the model down to exactly what you need to see. That's why Revit users call it the "Magic Box."
"BX is one of the most powerful — and most underused — shortcuts in Revit. Once you start using it, you'll wonder how you ever worked without it. It turns a 2-minute task into a 3-second one."
Official Name
Selection Box — creates a Section Box automatically cropped to your current selection.
Selection BoxKeyboard Shortcut
Press B then X on the keyboard in sequence.
B → XRibbon Location
Modify tab → View panel → Selection Box (only active when elements are selected).
Activation Condition
You must pre-select at least one element. The command is grayed out with nothing selected.
Using BX: 3 Simple Steps
The entire workflow takes three simple steps. Anyone can start using it right now.
Select Your Element(s)
From any Revit view — floor plan, elevation, section, or 3D — click to select the element(s) you want to inspect. Hold Ctrl to add multiple elements.
Press BX on the Keyboard
With your selection active, type B then X. Or go to the Modify tab → View panel → click Selection Box.
Explore Your Focused 3D View
Revit instantly switches to the default {3D} view with a Section Box perfectly fitted around your selection. Use the blue arrow handles to fine-tune the extents.
Starting from a plan, elevation, or section view and pressing BX automatically switches you to 3D. You don't need to navigate to a 3D view first — BX handles it all.
When Should You Use BX?
BX isn't just a visualization trick. It's a serious productivity accelerator for multiple real-world BIM workflows.
Floor-by-Floor Model Review
Select all elements on a specific floor, press BX, and immediately see an isolated 3D section of that level. Perfect for structural reviews and coordination meetings.
MEP Clash Detection & Resolution
Find clashing element IDs in your clash report, select them in Revit, and hit BX. You're instantly at the exact clash location in 3D — making resolution 10× faster.
System Routing Verification
Isolate specific MEP systems — ductwork, piping, cable trays — with BX to clearly trace routing paths without distractions from other model elements.
Client Presentation Visuals
Create stunning perspective section views for presentations by isolating specific spaces with BX, then applying rendering settings for compelling client-ready visuals.
4 Power-User Techniques for BX
Rotate for Diagonal Sections
Select the section box and use RO (Rotate) to cut the building at an angle — great for dramatic design presentation views.
Hide the Box Handles
In Visibility/Graphics (VG), uncheck "Section Box" under Annotation categories to hide the dashed blue extent lines for a cleaner view.
Link to a Scope Box
In the 3D view Properties, set the Scope Box parameter to maintain consistent section extents automatically across multiple views.
Adjust Extents from 2D Views
Right-click the 3D view in the Project Browser → "Show Section Box." Handles appear in plan/elevation for precise adjustments.
BX applies to the default {3D} view. To preserve a specific 3D view, duplicate it before pressing BX — or immediately rename the result after it's created.
Manual Section Box vs. BX Shortcut
See at a glance why the BX workflow is faster and more accurate for nearly every use case.
| Factor | Manual Section Box | BX Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | 30 sec – 2 min | 2–3 seconds |
| Accuracy | Manual drag (error-prone) | Auto-fitted to selection |
| Clicks Required | 5–10+ | 2 (B + X) |
| Start from Any View | ✗ Only from 3D view | ✓ Plan, section, elevation |
| Multi-Element Support | ✗ Cumbersome | ✓ Ctrl-select then BX |
| Auto-switch to 3D | ✗ Manual navigation | ✓ Switches automatically |
// Quick Recap
- Select any element(s) from any view
- Press B then X on the keyboard
- Revit auto-switches to 3D with fitted box
- Fine-tune with blue arrow drag handles
- Rotate, hide, or link to scope box as needed
// Best Used For
- Floor-by-floor model coordination
- Clash detection & resolution
- MEP system routing verification
- Client presentation visuals
- Quick investigation of unknown elements
Two keys. One perfect view. — B + X = Magic
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