Problem
Revit 2027 removed the contextual Options Bar that appeared while creating Pipes, Ducts, Conduits and Cable Trays.
In previous versions of Revit, the most frequently used creation parameters were available in one compact location directly below the Ribbon. This included values such as:
- Diameter / Width / Height
- Elevation
- Justification
- Level
- Offset
- Other tool-specific creation options
This interface allowed MEP designers to modify these parameters instantly while modeling, without moving the cursor away from the drawing area.
In Revit 2027, these settings have been split between the Ribbon and the Properties palette. Some options remain on the Ribbon (such as Offset), while others, including Diameter and Elevation, have been moved to the Properties palette. As a result, parameters that used to be available together are now scattered across different parts of the interface.
Impact
For MEP designers, this is a significant workflow regression.
When designing piping, ductwork, conduit or cable tray systems, sizes and elevations are changed continuously throughout the day. It is common to switch between multiple pipe or duct sizes and elevations hundreds of times during a project.
The previous contextual Options Bar provided immediate access to all of these parameters in a single location, making modeling fast and efficient.
The new workflow requires additional mouse movement, extra clicks, and constant switching between the drawing area and the Properties palette. This slows down daily modeling without adding any new functionality.
Suggestion
Please restore the contextual Options Bar for MEP creation tools (Pipe, Duct, Conduit and Cable Tray), or provide an option that allows users to enable the classic workflow.
This is not a request for a new feature.
It is a request to restore an efficient and well-established workflow that many MEP professionals relied on every day.
The previous design significantly improved productivity by keeping all frequently used creation parameters in one place during modeling. Bringing it back as an optional interface would preserve the benefits of the new UI while allowing experienced users to continue working efficiently.
Summary
One of the key goals of Revit 2027 was to improve performance and streamline the modeling workflow. However, removing the contextual Options Bar has had the opposite effect for many MEP users. It was one of the most efficient parts of the interface, providing immediate access to frequently used creation parameters during modeling. Restoring it as an optional feature would preserve the modern UI while allowing experienced users to maintain a fast and efficient workflow.
