Explore design options with separate models

Last updated: November 4, 2026

Compare two or three layouts, like different office fit-outs or lobby arrangements, and present them together on one set of sheets. Motif Design doesn't have a dedicated design options feature yet. Until it does, build each option as its own model in the same project, then link them side by side to compare and document them.

How it works

  • One model per option. Each option is a separate model in your project, for example Option A – Open plan and Option B – Private offices. Edits to one option never touch another.

  • Shared context stays linked. If you're working inside a core and shell from Revit, link it into each option model so every option is designed against the same building.

  • One model to present from. Link the other options into one model, place them side by side, and create a floor plan of each. Put those plans on sheets to compare them.

Set up your option models

  1. On the project page, create a model for each option and give each a clear name, like Option A, Option B, Option C.

  2. If you're working inside an existing building, link the core and shell into each option model. See 📄 Link another model into your model for full details.

  3. Lay out each option in its own model. Use existing content from the Content Library where you can, so quantities and counts stay comparable across options.

💡 Let the agent do the first pass. Drop a sketch or floor plan image into the agent panel and ask, for example, "Lay out 24 workstations and 4 offices in this space based on the attached sketch." Then refine by hand.

⚠ You can't copy and paste between models yet. Anything that should appear in more than one option needs to be placed in each model, which can be done through a single linked model.

Compare options side by side

  1. Open the model you'll present from. This can be one of your option models.

  2. Click the Content Library button, then click + and choose Add model from project.

  3. Check the other option models and confirm. They appear under External source.

  4. Click each option, click Place instance, and click in the model to place it beside the others, with enough space between them that their floor plans don't overlap.

Linked options are references. You can see and measure them, but you can't change them by accident. To edit an option, select it and click Edit to open its model in a new tab.

💡 Linked models don't update automatically. After editing an option, select its link, find Reference version in Properties, and choose Select newest version.

Document the options

  1. In Views, create a floor plan for each option.

  2. Crop each plan to the option it shows, and name it to match, like Option A – Level 2 Plan.

  3. In Sheets, add a sheet and place the plans on it, or give each option its own sheet.

  4. Add text with the key numbers for each option, like seat count or area.

See 📄 Create floor plans, sections, and 3D views and 📄 Build sheets and export a PDF for full details.

💡 Already have a view set up the way you like? Right-click it in the left panel and choose Duplicate with Detailing to copy its notes and dimensions along with it.

Check options with the agent

The agent can review each option against your requirements. Upload the client brief or your firm's standards to Project Context first, then ask, for example:

  • "Count the workstations and offices in each option and add the totals to the sheet."

  • "Mark up any spots in Option B where the corridor is narrower than 44 inches."

  • "Check the travel distance to the nearest exit from the farthest point in each new room."

See 📄 Working with AI agents in Motif Design for full details.

Good to know

  • Check the agent's findings. Code and egress checks are a starting point. Verify anything that affects life safety.

  • Want to save a point in time instead? History lets you open an earlier version of a model, but it isn't a substitute for separate option models. Use separate models for options you want to keep developing.

  • Working in Revit? You can keep design options in Revit and publish each one to Motif as its own model, then compare them here the same way.

Need help? Reach out to us at community.motif.io