Beyond EvolveLAB Morphis: Top BIM Automation Tools for Revit (Sheet Creation, Tagging & More)

Automating tedious BIM tasks can dramatically speed up project delivery and improve consistency. Tools that auto-generate sheets, tag elements, or dimension drawings are transforming how BIM managers, architects, and engineers work. As AEC Magazine notes, “Auto-drawings won't just improve the speed of drawing production. They will ultimately mean fewer skilled people being tied up in documentation.” (The productivity promise of auto drawings - AEC Magazine) EvolveLAB’s Morphis (and its companion tool Glyph for documentation) are popular choices for Revit automation, handling everything from generative design to auto-documentation (e.g. view and sheet creation, tagging, and dimensioning) (GLYPH - EvolveLAB) (APPS - EvolveLAB). However, Morphis isn’t the only game in town. Whether you’re seeking more features, a different approach to automation, or solutions that don’t rely on Dynamo, there are several compelling alternatives.

In this post, we’ll explore the top alternatives to EvolveLAB Morphis for BIM automation in Revit. We’ll compare their features, usability, and pricing, and include any available user feedback or industry sentiments. From AI-powered assistants to free productivity plugins, these tools can enhance Revit workflows for sheet creation, tagging, dimensioning, and beyond.

ArchiLabs – AI-Powered Revit Automation (No Dynamo Required)

ArchiLabs is an emerging AI-driven automation tool for Revit that offers a fresh, intuitive approach to BIM automation. Described as an “AI co-pilot for architecture” that can “10x [architects’] design speed with simple AI prompts” (ArchiLabs AI), ArchiLabs enables users to create Revit automation workflows through a drag-and-drop interface or simply by chatting with an AI assistant. This means you can literally tell the software what you need (for example, “Create sheets for each level and auto-tag all doors and windows”) and let the AI generate the workflow for you, without writing code or using Dynamo.

AI-Driven Workflow Creation: ArchiLabs comes with advanced AI nodes that can handle complex tasks beyond traditional rule-based automation. For instance, the AI might understand context to place dimensions intelligently or apply tags based on architectural standards – tasks that would be difficult to hard-code. This allows automation of not just straightforward repetitive tasks but also more nuanced operations that typically required human judgment.

Easy, Code-Free Interface: With its drag-and-drop canvas and natural language chat functionality, ArchiLabs prioritizes usability. BIM managers and architects can build automation routines without needing Dynamo’s visual programming or Python scripting. The learning curve is lower because you can leverage AI suggestions and examples in plain English.

Key Features: ArchiLabs can automate a wide range of Revit workflows. This includes documentation tasks like sheet creation, view setup, tagging, and dimensioning, as well as model modifications or analysis. Because it doesn’t leverage Dynamo at all, it operates as a standalone Revit add-in with its own logic engine. Users have reported that ArchiLabs’ AI can even propose optimizations – it’s not just executing commands, but can suggest better ways to achieve a goal, acting truly as a “co-pilot.”

Pricing & Availability: As a new entrant (backed by Y Combinator), ArchiLabs may still be in beta or early access. Pricing information isn’t publicly advertised at the time of writing. It’s likely to follow a subscription model, given its cloud-AI components, but interested firms should contact ArchiLabs for specifics. Early industry buzz is positive – many are excited about an automation tool that feels more conversational and intelligent than the status quo.

Why ArchiLabs? If you’re looking for cutting-edge technology that can push BIM automation further, ArchiLabs stands out. It offers similar (and potentially superior) functionality to EvolveLAB’s tools without any Dynamo dependency. Instead of manually creating Dynamo graphs or coding macros, you can rely on AI to handle the heavy lifting. For BIM managers who want powerful automation but don’t have in-house programming expertise, ArchiLabs could be a game-changer. Its ability to interpret high-level instructions and handle complex logic could save hours on tasks that previously weren’t automatable. ArchiLabs shows how artificial intelligence can augment BIM workflows in ways traditional tools cannot, making it a powerful alternative to consider.

DiRoots SheetGen – Free Tool for Sheet & View Automation

If budget is a concern, DiRoots SheetGen is a fantastic alternative for automating documentation tasks in Revit. SheetGen is a free Revit add-in that focuses on streamlining sheet creation and view placement. According to DiRoots, it “batch create[s] Revit Sheets, place[s] Views on Sheets based on a pre-defined template, and easily manage[s] Sheet Revisions.” (Create Revit Sheets and Place Views with SheetGen - DiRoots) In other words, it tackles the time-consuming process of setting up sheets and views in a project, all without Dynamo.

Batch Sheet Creation: SheetGen allows users to generate dozens or even hundreds of sheets in seconds. You can define a naming convention or import a list of sheet names (for example, from an Excel file) and the tool will create all the sheets automatically. This is extremely useful for large projects where you might need a sheet per level, per unit, or per department.

Automated View Placement: The add-in can place existing views onto sheets following a template layout. For instance, if you need to put a floor plan and related schedules on every sheet for each level, SheetGen can do this systematically. It saves you from the tedium of dragging views onto sheets one by one.

Revision Management: As noted, SheetGen also helps manage revisions on sheets. It can batch-update revision sequences on multiple sheets, ensuring consistency in your documentation sets.

Usability: DiRoots plugins, including SheetGen, are known for their straightforward UI. The tool integrates into the Revit ribbon and provides forms to input your desired settings (sheet templates, view positions, etc.). You don’t need any coding knowledge – just install and start automating common sheet tasks.

Pricing: SheetGen is completely free. DiRoots offers this and several other Revit add-ins at no cost, part of the reason it’s beloved in the BIM community. (Do note that DiRoots has introduced a platform called “DiRoots One” with some premium features, but core tools like SheetGen remain free to use.)

User Sentiment: The Revit community has widely adopted DiRoots tools. They are praised for being “fantastic tool[s]” that “get you everything you need” for daily Revit work (Any add ons for Revit : r/MEPEngineering - Reddit). Many BIM managers include SheetGen (and other DiRoots add-ins like SheetLink, TableGen, etc.) in their standard toolkit because it reliably shaves hours off documentation prep. The fact that it’s free is icing on the cake, especially for smaller firms or project teams without a budget for software add-ons.

Why DiRoots SheetGen? It’s hard to beat free tools that deliver real productivity gains. SheetGen offers a Dynamo-free way to automate sheet setup, one of the most tedious parts of project documentation. While it doesn’t automatically tag or dimension (you’d still do those tasks or use other tools for that), it covers sheet and view creation thoroughly. For firms that just need a quick solution to make lots of sheets or apply a standard layout across many drawings, SheetGen is a superior choice in terms of cost-efficiency. It may not have the AI bells and whistles, but it nails the core functionality and is continually updated to support the latest Revit versions.

IdeateApps – Comprehensive Revit Automation Suite

IdeateApps is a collection of productivity tools from Ideate Software, a well-known third-party developer. This suite is a powerhouse for Revit automation, covering a broad spectrum of tasks such as view creation, sheet management, and even health checks on models. For documentation in particular, IdeateApps includes specialized tools like Ideate ViewCreator and Ideate SheetManager. With Ideate ViewCreator, “you can batch-create multiple Revit views while complying with company-established BIM standards.” (Ideate ViewCreator in IdeateApps for Revit) It automates the creation and naming of views (plans, sections, elevations, etc.) based on rules, which is great for maintaining consistency. Additionally, Ideate’s tools address tagging and annotation consistency – one of their resources mentions “Effortless Tagging with Ideate Annotate” and “Moving views between sheets with Ideate SheetManager.” (Elevate Your Revit Projects with Ideate Software) This hints at capabilities to ensure everything that needs a tag gets one, and to reorganize sheets efficiently.

Key Features: The IdeateApps suite includes:

Ideate ViewCreator: Batch generation of views (e.g., create all room plans or dependent views in one go) with automatic naming conventions (Ideate ViewCreator in IdeateApps for Revit).

Ideate SheetManager & Ideate Clone: Tools to create new sheets (for instance, cloning an existing sheet layout to many others) and to manage view placements. You can easily duplicate sheet setups or move views around without losing annotations, which Revit by itself doesn’t do gracefully.

Ideate Annotate: A newer addition focusing on tagging and annotation. It can help find untagged elements or ensure tags don’t overlap, improving documentation quality.

IdeateApps Miscellaneous Tools: There are other handy ones like Ideate Align, QuickSelect, and SmartDelete that, while not directly about sheets, streamline various repetitive tasks.

Usability: IdeateApps are designed with end-users in mind. They are accessed via a ribbon panel in Revit, each tool launching a dialog with clear options. For example, in ViewCreator you pick a base view and a rule (like one view per level or per room) and the tool generates all required views automatically (Ideate ViewCreator in IdeateApps for Revit). The learning curve is low – if you know Revit, you can use these tools with minimal training. Ideate provides extensive documentation and support as well.

Integration (No Dynamo Needed): These tools run as standalone add-ins. They execute complex Revit API commands behind the scenes, so you don’t have to build Dynamo graphs for tasks like duplicating views or renaming hundreds of sheets. This saves training staff on Dynamo scripts. In fact, Ideate’s own Ideate Automation tool can run some of these tasks on a schedule or in batch mode externally (Why Ideate Automation for Revit?), further freeing up users’ time.

Pricing: IdeateApps is a paid product. According to an AEC tech listing, a single-user license is around $495 (one-time perpetual), and a network (multi-user) license is about $795 (IdeateApps pricing, case studies, alternatives & more | aec+tech). These prices might come with annual maintenance costs for upgrades. Ideate also offers bundles – for example, you can buy all their tools (including Ideate BIMLink, Explorer, etc.) as a suite. There is typically a free trial available, and many find the investment worth it for the time saved.

User Feedback: Ideate Software has been in the industry for years and is trusted by many architecture and engineering firms. Users often praise IdeateApps for its reliability and the fact that it enforces standards. For example, by using ViewCreator’s rules, a BIM manager can ensure every new view or sheet follows the office naming conventions automatically, reducing errors. The sentiment is that these tools “greatly reduce time spent on repetitive tasks” and “ensure task outcomes are highly predictable, free of user errors” (Why Ideate Automation for Revit?) – essentially boosting efficiency and quality. While the cost is higher than free alternatives, the support and continuous development (with updates for each new Revit version and added features annually) provide confidence to enterprise users.

Why IdeateApps? If you need a comprehensive, professional-grade solution for Revit automation, IdeateApps is a top contender. It offers similar functionality to EvolveLAB’s Glyph (auto views/sheets, etc.) and more, packaged in a user-friendly way. Unlike some smaller tools that handle one or two tasks, IdeateApps covers a range of needs in one suite. For BIM managers looking to equip their team with robust tools (and who have the budget for licenses), IdeateApps can significantly enhance Revit workflows. It’s especially useful in larger organizations where consistency and support are crucial – you’re not relying on one-off Dynamo scripts, but on a vetted software package with help if you need it.

CTC BIM Project Suite – Toolkit for Revit Workflow Automation

Another popular option is the CTC BIM Project Suite by CTC Software (now part of Symetri). This is a collection of over 30 Revit add-ins aimed at automating routine tasks and improving productivity (CTC - BIM Project Suite - Cadgroup). Like IdeateApps, CTC’s suite covers a broad array of functions – from model management to documentation. For automation of drawings, the suite provides tools that can help with view creation, sheet setup, tagging, and more. One example is using the Spreadsheet Link tool (included in the suite) to drive sheet creation. In fact, you can “mass create sheets using the Spreadsheet Link add-in” in combination with Excel, as a way to rapidly generate sheets from a list (Creating Multiple Sheets in Revit using Spreadsheet Link - YouTube). CTC’s suite also includes an Auto-Section Box tool, a View Alignment tool, and others that simplify tasks that otherwise require many manual steps.

Key Features for Documentation:

View Creation & Duplication: CTC’s View Creator tool (similar name to Ideate’s, but a different tool) allows batch-creating views based on templates or levels. You can automate creation of dependent views or duplicates across multiple levels.

Sheet Generation: While CTC doesn’t have a one-click “create all sheets” button, they leverage Spreadsheet Link for this. The workflow is: export a sheet list to Excel, add your new sheets data, and import it back to create those sheets in Revit (Creating Multiple Sheets in Revit using Spreadsheet Link - YouTube). It’s a clever use of a data link to avoid manual sheet creation. Additionally, Sheet Generator (part of a related CTC Manager Suite) can place multiple views on sheets according to a grid, helpful for automation of sheet layouts.

Tagging & Annotation Tools: CTC’s suite provides tools like Quick Select (to filter and select categories of elements quickly) and Annotate that can assist in tagging numerous elements. While not fully “auto-tag everything” like an AI would, these tools speed up identifying what needs tags or dimensions. CTC also offers an Auto Dimension tool in a separate add-on (specific to framing or MEP, for instance), and a Fire Rating Coordinator that tags doors/walls with fire ratings automatically. These specialized tools handle tagging in particular workflows.

Legends and Schedules: The suite has an Automatic Legend creator. For example, if you need a door hardware legend on multiple sheets, the tool can generate and update those legends. This indirectly aids documentation by ensuring each sheet gets the right legends without manual drafting.

Usability: CTC’s tools integrate into Revit with their own ribbon. Each tool addresses a specific task, which can feel a bit granular – you open the one for the job you need. The interfaces are generally straightforward (often just a few options or an Excel-like grid for Spreadsheet Link). Users do need to know which tool to use when, but CTC provides tutorials and a good help file. It’s more of a power-user toolkit compared to something conversational like ArchiLabs. However, once configured, these tools can be run repeatedly to enforce standards (for example, updating all title blocks or renumbering sheets in sequence can be done in a few clicks).

Pricing: The BIM Project Suite is a paid product with an annual subscription model. Official pricing lists it at $410 per user/year for 1-15 users (with volume discounts for larger teams) (Shop - CTC Software). There is also an option for a perpetual license (~$550 one-time as noted by some sources (CTC Software BIM Project Suite Reviews in 2025 - SourceForge), though subscription is more common now). Notably, CTC offers a mix of free and paid tools in the suite: some tools (like the renowned Family Exporter or Quick Select) are free even without a license, while advanced ones (like Spreadsheet Link, View Creator) require activation. This means you can install the suite and use a subset of tools indefinitely at no cost, and then pay for the license if you need the full range.

User Sentiment: CTC’s BIM Project Suite is widely used, especially in engineering and multi-disciplinary firms. Users appreciate that it consolidates many utilities in one package. A common sentiment is that it “helps users automate routine tasks” so they can focus on more complex work (CTC - BIM Project Suite - Cadgroup). The learning curve is moderate – you might not use all 30+ tools, but you can pick the ones that fit your workflow. BIM managers like the Suite for its reliability and the ability to custom-fit certain processes (e.g., using Spreadsheet Link, you can create or update any parameter data via Excel, which is very powerful). On the flip side, because it’s not as specialized solely on documentation automation as, say, Glyph or ArchiLabs, you have to know how to leverage it for those needs. The industry view is that CTC’s tools are robust and save significant time, essentially becoming a Swiss-army knife for Revit power users.

Why CTC BIM Project Suite? Choose CTC’s suite if you want a broad toolkit that goes beyond just sheet creation and tagging. It’s an alternative to Morphis/Glyph in the sense that it can achieve similar outcomes (auto-generating views, speeding up sheet setup, etc.) but also helps with many other tasks (data management, QA/QC, etc.). Firms that have a wide variety of Revit automation needs often gravitate to CTC’s suite because it’s all-encompassing. Plus, the partial free usage is a bonus – you can start with the free features and upgrade when you find the value. While it may require a bit more user know-how to script certain processes (like the Excel-driven sheet creation), it remains Dynamo-free and very effective. In summary, BIM Project Suite is a solid, time-tested alternative that can definitely enhance or replace some of the automation you might have considered Dynamo for.

pyRevit – Open-Source Scripting Toolkit for Revit Automation

Not every solution comes in a commercial box. pyRevit is a popular open-source platform that adds a powerful automation layer to Revit. It’s essentially a Python scripting overlay for Revit, allowing users to create custom buttons and tools using the Revit API. While pyRevit does require some scripting know-how to unlock its full potential, it comes bundled with many ready-to-use tools contributed by the community. In fact, pyRevit is often touted as a “legendary free, open-source, and community-driven plugin for Revit” (20 Amazing pyRevit Features to Save Insane Amounts of Time) because of how much value it provides at no cost.

Out-of-the-Box Tools: When you install pyRevit, it adds a special tab in Revit with dozens of pre-built tools. These range from sheet management (e.g., batch print PDF, one-click duplicate sheet with views) to modeling aids (like aligning model lines) to analysis (like a fire rating coordinator). For example, there are scripts to place views on sheets automatically or to rename sheets/views in bulk. The community often shares their pyRevit scripts for tasks like auto-numbering rooms or checking for untagged elements, so you can import those and use them right away.

Custom Automation via Scripting: The true power of pyRevit is that you can write Python scripts that interact with your Revit model and then attach those scripts as buttons in Revit. For a BIM manager with some programming interest, this is huge: you can automate virtually anything the Revit API allows. Want to auto-tag every door in the project? Write a short Python script using pyRevit’s templates. Need to generate views and sheets from a list? Python can do that, and you can run it directly from Revit via pyRevit. Essentially, pyRevit is an alternative path to Dynamo – instead of visual programming, you’re writing code. Some find this more maintainable and powerful, especially for complex logic.

No Dynamo Dependency: pyRevit runs entirely independent of Dynamo. It interacts with Revit’s API directly through IronPython (or CPython in newer versions). This means you avoid the sometimes heavy overhead of running Dynamo graphs and can achieve faster execution for repetitive tasks. It’s also more flexible in certain ways – you’re not limited by what visual nodes exist, because you can call any API method.

Usability: For non-coders, pyRevit’s interface with pre-built tools is user-friendly – just click the buttons like any Revit command. For creating new automation, the barrier is knowing Python. However, pyRevit provides a lot of examples and even a Beginner’s Guide to Automating Revit Tasks (PyRevit 101: A Beginner's Guide to Automating Revit Tasks) to help users get started. Many architecture professionals with minimal coding background have learned to script simple routines with pyRevit because the payoff is so high. Also, because it’s open-source, there’s a collaborative community (forums, GitHub) where people can ask for help or share scripts.

Pricing: pyRevit is completely free. It was created by Ehsan Iran-Nejad and is maintained by the community. There’s no license fee, making it extremely attractive to anyone. You can install it on all your machines without procurement headaches.

User Sentiment: The BIM community holds pyRevit in very high regard. It’s often one of the first tools recommended when discussing must-have Revit add-ons. Users call it “legendary” for a reason – it has saved countless hours by automating mundane tasks (20 Amazing pyRevit Features to Save Insane Amounts of Time). For example, one user might highlight how they used pyRevit to automate placing hundreds of views on sheets, something that would be painfully slow by hand. Another might praise the Color Splasher tool (originally by BIM One, integrated into pyRevit) for quickly checking model data. The only caveat in feedback is that to create new custom tools, someone on the team needs to be comfortable with coding or you need to find existing scripts that fit your needs. However, even using the built-in set alone can significantly boost productivity.

Why pyRevit? If you prefer an open-ended, customizable solution and have the willingness to tinker with code, pyRevit is the ultimate automation tool. It offers similar capabilities to Morphis/Glyph (and indeed any automation) as long as you or the community can script it. Unlike Morphis, which is a closed system with set features, pyRevit is limitless – you define what it does. This makes it incredibly powerful; you’re not restricted by a UI’s options. For firms that have a dedicated “BIM hacker” or tech-savvy power user, pyRevit can replace many one-off add-ins with a single consolidated toolkit. It’s also a great way to implement automation without spending a dime. In summary, pyRevit is for those who want total control and flexibility in Revit automation. It’s Dynamo’s code-oriented cousin and a proven alternative that many BIM managers swear by.

SWAPP – AI-Driven Design Documentation Automation

Looking at more specialized AI solutions, SWAPP is an automation tool that leverages artificial intelligence to produce architectural documentation quickly and consistently. SWAPP is particularly focused on the auto-generation of drawings from a Revit model. According to their website, “SWAPP automates dimensioning and tagging for various project elements, ensuring accurate, consistent, and comprehensive documentation.” (Architectural Automation Products | Streamline Your Workflow) In practice, SWAPP acts like a virtual production drafter: you feed it your BIM model, and it outputs sheets full of plans, elevations, sections, complete with tags and dimensions per your standards. It’s an alternative to EvolveLAB’s Glyph in the sense that it heavily targets the construction documentation phase, but with a twist of AI making decisions on how to annotate.

Automatic Tagging & Dimensioning: SWAPP’s standout feature is its ability to add tags and dimensions to drawings automatically. For example, it can take a floor plan and add dimensions to walls, columns, and other elements, or tag all doors and windows with their mark numbers – all in one go. The tool “ensures accurate, consistent, and comprehensive documentation” by following rules (and possibly learning from your preferences) about what to tag/dimension (Architectural Automation Products | Streamline Your Workflow). This can save an immense amount of time in late project stages when every element needs to be properly annotated on sheets.

Sheet Arrangement and Drawing Generation: Beyond tagging, SWAPP can generate the actual sheets and views. It might create multiple elevation or section views around a floor plan automatically (for instance, generating room elevations for an interior design package) and lay them out on sheets. One demo shows using SWAPP’s AI to create an entire set of apartment unit plans and elevations with dimensions in a matter of minutes. Essentially, it’s like having a very fast junior architect who knows your documentation standards.

AI and Rules: Under the hood, SWAPP likely uses a mix of predefined rules and AI algorithms. It may analyze the geometry to decide optimal dimension lines (e.g., dimensioning gridlines, then exterior walls, then openings, etc. in a neat order). AI comes into play in making judgments that typically only experienced drafters make – like how to break up a complicated plan into multiple segment drawings, or how to avoid clutter in annotation. This goes beyond what basic macros do; it’s learning-driven automation.

Usability: From user reports and demos, SWAPP operates partly as a service. The workflow might involve uploading or syncing your Revit model to SWAPP’s cloud platform, then receiving the generated drawings back. There might also be a Revit plug-in interface to trigger the automation and pull the results in. This means it’s not as instant as clicking a button inside Revit (there could be a short wait while the AI “works”), but it’s largely hands-off for the user. You define your standards upfront, then review the output after generation. The interface is designed for architects who want results, not to tweak every setting – the AI handles the complexity.

Pricing: SWAPP appears to be targeted at architecture firms and potentially offered as a subscription or service model. Precise pricing isn’t publicly available, and it may vary by project size or usage. Given its specialized nature, firms interested in SWAPP would likely go through a demo and then get a quote or choose a tier (perhaps based on number of projects or sheets generated). It’s safe to assume it’s a paid product, potentially costing a few hundred dollars per month for an office (this is speculative; one would need to contact SWAPP for actual pricing).

Industry Sentiment: The idea of one-click documentation has generated a lot of interest. A year ago, a YouTube video titled “How to create a building documentation with AI using SWAPP” garnered a significant number of views, indicating curiosity among BIM professionals. Those who have tried it often comment on the impressive speed – tasks that normally take days are done in hours or less. However, some also note that it’s not a complete replacement for human oversight; you may need to clean up or adjust some details after the automation, as the AI might not capture every nuance perfectly. Still, the overall sentiment is that SWAPP is pushing the envelope for what’s possible with AI in BIM. It’s often mentioned alongside other AI tools like Skema (for model generation) as part of a new wave of AEC tech.

Why SWAPP? If your primary goal is to accelerate the production of construction documents – getting fully dimensioned, fully tagged drawings out of your BIM model – SWAPP is a compelling choice. It offers similar capabilities to EvolveLAB Glyph’s auto-tagging and auto-dimensioning, potentially at an even more advanced level thanks to AI optimizations. Unlike generalist tools (which might require you to set up each view template and tagging scheme manually), SWAPP attempts to do it all intelligently. This makes it a powerful assistant for teams facing tight deadlines on documentation. It’s also Dynamo-free; you’re leveraging cloud intelligence rather than building visual scripts. One could say SWAPP is indicative of the future: it shows how AI can handle the grunt work of drawing production, letting architects and engineers focus on design and coordination. For firms willing to adopt cutting-edge solutions, SWAPP can offer a significant competitive advantage by slashing the time spent on sheets and annotations while maintaining quality and consistency (Architectural Automation Products | Streamline Your Workflow).

Other Noteworthy Mentions

Beyond the major players above, there are a few more tools and approaches worth mentioning:

Autodesk’s Built-in Generative Design (Project Refinery): Autodesk Revit includes a Generative Design feature (previously code-named Project Refinery) that works with Dynamo scripts to explore design options. While it’s more about design optioneering than documentation, some use it for layout automation. However, it does rely on Dynamo, so it’s not as accessible to those avoiding visual programming (The Future of BIM is NOT BIM, and It's Coming Faster Than You Think).

Skema AI (Conceptual BIM Design): Skema is an AI-powered conceptual design tool that generates detailed Revit models from early-phase inputs (Skema: Jumpstarting BIM -- AECbytes Review). It’s not for sheet documentation per se, but it automates BIM model creation (in minutes, not months). This could be seen as an alternative on the design side of what Morphis offers (generative design), using AI and past project data to “morph” new solutions (Skema Launches AI Solution—Deliver Rich BIM Models in Minutes ...). For firms looking at automation in space planning and modeling, Skema is worth a look.

Naviate & Other Revit Add-in Suites: Companies like Symetri (Naviate) and GRAITEC offer Revit tool collections that include features for automatic view creation, dimensioning, and reinforcement detailing. These tend to be more specialized (e.g., Naviate has a Drawing Manager for sheet automation). They may not be as widely used globally but can be strong in certain regions.

Revit Macros & API Scripting: Lastly, some BIM managers still choose to write their own C# macros or use the Revit API directly for custom automation. This requires programming skill similar to pyRevit’s approach. The advantage is full control (you build exactly what you need). The disadvantage is development time and maintenance. If you have developer resources, you can essentially create your own bespoke “Morphis alternative” internally; otherwise, the tools listed above provide ready-made solutions.

Comparison of Revit Automation Alternatives

To help you evaluate the best option for your needs, here’s a quick comparison of the tools we discussed, focusing on their key features, usability, and pricing:

EvolveLAB Morphis/Glyph (Baseline): Features: Generative design (Morphis) and auto-documentation (Glyph) in Revit (APPS - EvolveLAB). Handles view sheet creation, tagging, dimensioning, plus design option generation. Usability: User-friendly UI with predefined workflows; no coding needed. Pricing: Subscription (~$59/month for Morphis) (Revit Integrations in 2025 - Slashdot) or bundle packages.

ArchiLabs: Features: AI-powered workflow builder, advanced automation nodes, covers both documentation and complex tasks. Usability: Very high – chat interface and drag-drop, designed for non-programmers. Pricing: TBD (likely subscription; in beta as of 2025). Notable: No Dynamo required, uses AI for unprecedented flexibility.

DiRoots SheetGen: Features: Batch sheet creation, view placement, revision management (Create Revit Sheets and Place Views with SheetGen - DiRoots) (documentation-focused). Usability: Easy and straightforward; simple UI in Revit ribbon. Pricing: Free. Notable: Part of a suite of free tools, great community adoption.

IdeateApps: Features: Broad suite – batch view creation (Ideate ViewCreator in IdeateApps for Revit), sheet management, tagging assistance, plus other model management tools. Usability: Polished UI, intended for end-users; no coding. Pricing: ~$495 per user (perpetual) (IdeateApps pricing, case studies, alternatives & more | aec+tech) or annual subscription options; free trial available. Notable: Industry-trusted, excellent support.

CTC BIM Project Suite: Features: 30+ tools – view creator, Excel-driven sheet creation (Creating Multiple Sheets in Revit using Spreadsheet Link - YouTube), auto-legend, tag and dimension helpers, etc. Usability: Moderate; multiple tools with specific dialogs, some setup needed (e.g., Excel templates). Pricing: $410 per user/year (subscription) (Shop - CTC Software); some tools free without license. Notable: Wide-ranging toolkit, good for many use cases beyond documentation.

pyRevit: Features: Unlimited – any automation task possible via Python; comes with dozens of pre-made tools (sheet duplicators, batch editors, etc.). Usability: Dual nature – easy for using existing tools, steep if writing new scripts (requires coding). Pricing: Free & open-source (20 Amazing pyRevit Features to Save Insane Amounts of Time). Notable: Huge flexibility, active community, no Dynamo needed but programming skills rewarded.

SWAPP: Features: AI-generated drawings – auto-dimensioning/tagging (Architectural Automation Products | Streamline Your Workflow), sheet layout, view creation, following standards. Usability: Hands-off output generation; minimal user input besides model prep and standards definition. Pricing: Subscription/Enterprise (contact for quote). Notable: Cutting-edge AI application, great for speeding up construction documents massively.

Each of these alternatives has its strengths. For example, if cost is a major factor, open-source solutions like pyRevit or free plugins like SheetGen shine. If ease-of-use and breadth of features are key, commercial suites like IdeateApps or CTC’s tools are strong contenders. For those ready to leverage AI in BIM, ArchiLabs and SWAPP represent the next generation of tools that can potentially outperform traditional methods by learning and adapting.

Conclusion

BIM managers, architects, and engineers have more options than ever to automate Revit workflows. EvolveLAB’s Morphis and Glyph have demonstrated the value of automation in tasks like sheet creation, tagging, and dimensioning, but exploring the alternatives can uncover solutions that better fit your firm’s needs. Whether it’s the intelligence of AI (ArchiLabs, SWAPP), the no-cost efficiency of open-source (pyRevit, DiRoots), or the comprehensive reliability of established suites (IdeateApps, CTC), there’s a tool out there to elevate your Revit game.

Crucially, all the tools discussed avoid the need for manual Dynamo scripting, lowering the barrier to entry for BIM automation. As one industry expert observed, many teams found Dynamo’s learning curve steep for widespread adoption (the year after dynamo… - archi-lab). The tools above offer more accessible pathways: either through user-friendly interfaces or through more familiar programming paradigms. By adopting one or a combination of these solutions, BIM professionals can save time, reduce errors, and enforce standards across their projects.

In the end, the “best” tool will depend on your specific workflow and preferences. It’s often worth trying out a few: for instance, run a pilot with a free plugin like SheetGen or pyRevit, or request a trial of ArchiLabs or IdeateApps. Gather feedback from your team on usability and results. You may find that a hybrid approach works too – using pyRevit for highly custom tasks and a product like ArchiLabs for more general automation via AI.

What’s clear is that BIM automation is no longer a niche experiment; it’s becoming a standard part of project delivery. As these tools continue to mature, tasks that once took days of labor can be done in minutes, and the role of the designer can shift more toward high-value decisions rather than CAD grunt work. Embracing these technologies now will put you ahead of the curve. Consider the alternatives above and supercharge your Revit workflows – your future self (and your team) will thank you for not having to drag hundreds of view titles or tag thousands of elements by hand ever again!

References:

EvolveLAB Glyph – “Revit plugin that automates and standardizes multiple documentation tasks like view and sheet creation, tagging, dimensioning, and sheet packing.” (GLYPH - EvolveLAB)

EvolveLAB Morphis – “Co-authoring and data-driven generative design app for Revit that gives you responsive design solutions.” (MORPHIS | EvolveLAB)

ArchiLabs (Y Combinator description) – “AI co-pilot for architecture... architects can 10x their design speed with simple AI prompts.” (ArchiLabs AI)

SWAPP overview – “Automates dimensioning and tagging for various project elements, ensuring accurate, consistent, and comprehensive documentation.” (Architectural Automation Products | Streamline Your Workflow)

DiRoots SheetGen – “A free Revit Add-in to batch create Revit Sheets, place Views on Sheets based on a pre-defined template, and easily manage Sheet Revisions.” (Create Revit Sheets and Place Views with SheetGen - DiRoots)

pyRevit intro (BIM Pure) – “pyRevit is a legendary free, open-source, and community-driven plugin for Revit.” (20 Amazing pyRevit Features to Save Insane Amounts of Time)

CTC BIM Project Suite – “Contains over 30 of the best Revit add-ins... helps users automate routine tasks.” (CTC - BIM Project Suite - Cadgroup)

CTC Spreadsheet Link usage – “mass create sheets using the Spreadsheet Link add-in for Revit, which is a tool found in the BIM Project Suite.” (Creating Multiple Sheets in Revit using Spreadsheet Link - YouTube)

Ideate ViewCreator – “batch-create multiple Revit views while complying with company-established BIM standards.” (Ideate ViewCreator in IdeateApps for Revit)

Ideate tools coverage – “Effortless Tagging with Ideate Annotate... Moving Views Between Sheets with Ideate SheetManager...” (Elevate Your Revit Projects with Ideate Software)

IdeateApps pricing – “Single-User 1 License: $495 One-time; Multi-User 1 License: $795 One-time.” (IdeateApps pricing, case studies, alternatives & more | aec+tech)

Morphis pricing – “Morphis… $59 per month.” (Revit Integrations in 2025 - Slashdot)

CTC pricing – “BIM Project Suite Annual Subscription (per user) ... $410.” (Shop - CTC Software)

AEC Magazine on auto-drawings – “Auto-drawings won't just improve the speed of drawing production... mean fewer skilled people being tied up in documentation.” (The productivity promise of auto drawings - AEC Magazine)