Autodesk - Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide - 2013.pdf

Autodesk Revit 2014 Families Guide

June 2013

Autodesk Revit 2014 Families Guide

Contents

Contents Contents .................................................................................................................. 3 Workflow: Creating a Loadable Family .................................................................... 7 Understanding the Family Editor .......................................................................... 7 Planning a Loadable Family ............................................................................... 10 Flexing the Family Framework ........................................................................... 11 Testing the Family .............................................................................................. 12 Choosing a Family Template ................................................................................. 15 Creating a Family from a Template .................................................................... 17 Choosing a Category ............................................................................................. 20 Cuttable Families ............................................................................................... 20 Non-Cuttable Families ........................................................................................ 21 Creating Family Subcategories .......................................................................... 21 Creating the Family Framework ............................................................................. 24 Defining the Family Origin .................................................................................. 24 Laying Out Reference Planes ............................................................................ 25 Defining Priorities for Reference Planes ............................................................. 27 Using Reference Lines ....................................................................................... 29 Controlling Angular Dimensions with Reference Lines ....................................... 31 Dimensioning Reference Planes and Lines ........................................................ 32 Creating Family Parameters .................................................................................. 33 Family Category and Parameters ....................................................................... 34 Labeling Dimensions to Create Parameters ....................................................... 35 Creating Family Types ....................................................................................... 36 Creating Instance Parameters ............................................................................ 37 Adding Shape Handles to a Loadable Family ..................................................... 38 Using Formulas in the Family Editor ................................................................... 38 Adding Metadata to a Family .............................................................................. 39 Creating Family Geometry ..................................................................................... 40 Constraining Family Geometry ........................................................................... 40 Automatic Sketch Dimensions ............................................................................ 41 Visibility of Automatic Sketch Dimensions in the Family Editor ........................... 44 Duplicating Parameterized Elements ................................................................. 46 Assigning Family Geometry to Subcategories .................................................... 49 Managing Family Visibility and Detail Level ........................................................ 50

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Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide

Setting Family Geometry Visibility ...................................................................... 51 Annotation Labels .................................................................................................. 52 Editing Multi-parameter Labels ........................................................................... 52 Building a Label .................................................................................................. 53 Shared Label Parameters .................................................................................. 53 Label Parameter Options ................................................................................... 53 Edit Label Unit Formats ...................................................................................... 54 Label Type Properties ........................................................................................ 55 Label Instance Properties ................................................................................... 56 Applying the Label to a Tag in a Project ............................................................. 56 Applying the Label to a Title Block in a Project ................................................... 57 Lookup Tables ....................................................................................................... 58 Managing Lookup Tables ................................................................................... 59 CSV File Structure ............................................................................................. 59 Revit MEP Components ........................................................................................ 60 Category ............................................................................................................ 60 Light Source ....................................................................................................... 61 Part Types .......................................................................................................... 62 Working with Connectors ................................................................................... 65 Placing a Connector ........................................................................................... 66 Selecting a Primary Connector ........................................................................... 68 Orienting a Connector ........................................................................................ 68 Linking Connectors ............................................................................................ 68 Unlinking Connectors ......................................................................................... 69 Deleting a Connector.......................................................................................... 69 Advanced Loadable Family Techniques ................................................................ 70 Nesting and Sharing Component Families ......................................................... 70 Nesting Restrictions ........................................................................................ 71 Nesting Families with Interchangeable Components ...................................... 71 Creating a Family with Nested Components ...................................................... 71 Creating a Family with Nested and Shared Components ................................... 72 Creating a Nested Family with Interchangeable Components ............................ 76 Associating Family Parameters .......................................................................... 78 Associating Parameters for Model Text .............................................................. 79 Loading Generic Annotations into Model Families.............................................. 80 Adding a Generic Annotation ............................................................................. 80 Creating a Work Plane-based Family ................................................................. 82

Contents

Creating Vertical Families .................................................................................. 83 Creating Specialized Families ............................................................................... 85 Creating a 2D Line-Based Detail Component Family ......................................... 85 Creating an Annotation Symbol Family .............................................................. 86 Creating a Callout Head Family.......................................................................... 87 Creating a Curtain Wall Profile ........................................................................... 89 Creating a Detail Component Family .................................................................. 90 Creating a Division Profile Family....................................................................... 90 Creating an Entourage Family ............................................................................ 91 Creating and Modifying Lighting Fixtures ........................................................... 92 Creating a Lighting Fixture with One Light Source .......................................... 92 Creating Lighting Fixtures with Multiple Light Sources .................................... 93 Creating a Profile Family .................................................................................. 115 Creating an RPC Family ................................................................................... 118 Section Head Family ........................................................................................ 119 Creating a Structural Column Family ................................................................ 120 Creating a Truss Family ................................................................................... 124 Creating a New Truss Layout Family File ..................................................... 125 Adding Truss Family Parameters .................................................................. 125 Sketching a Truss Family Layout .................................................................. 126 Creating a Type Catalog .................................................................................. 126

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Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide

Typically, the loadable families that you need to create are standard sizes and configurations of common components and symbols used in a building design.

To create a loadable family, you define the geometry and size of the family using a family template that is provided in Revit. You can then save the family as a separate Revit family file (.rfa file) and load it into any project. Depending on the complexity of the family, the creation process can be timeconsuming. If you can identify a family that is similar to the one you want to create, you can save time and effort by copying, renaming, and modifying the existing family. The topics in this section apply to the creation of model (3D) families, but some are relevant to 2D families, including titleblocks, annotation symbols, and detail components.

Workflow: Creating a Loadable Family

Workflow: Creating a Loadable Family Depending on the complexity of the family, the creation process can be timeconsuming. If you can identify a family that is similar to the one you want to create, you can save time and effort by copying, renaming, and modifying the family to create the new family. For best results when creating a family, use the following workflow. 1. Before beginning family creation, plan your family. Identify requirements regarding family sizes, how the family displays in different views, whether a host is required, the detail level to be modeled, and the origin of the family. See Planning a Loadable Family. 2. Create a new family file with the appropriate family template. See Choosing a Family Template. 3. Define subcategories for the family to help control the visibility of the family geometry. See Creating Family Subcategories. 4. Create the family skeleton, or framework:  Define the origin (the insertion point) of the family. See Defining the Family Origin.  Lay out reference planes and reference lines to aid in sketching component geometry. See Laying Out Reference Planes and Using Reference Lines.  Add dimensions to specify parametric relationships. See Dimensioning Reference Planes and Lines.  Label dimensions to create type or instance parameters or 2D representation. See Labeling Dimensions to Create Parameters.  Test, or flex, the skeleton. See Flexing the Family Framework. 5. Define family type variations by specifying different parameters. See Creating Family Types. 6. Add a single level of geometry in solids and voids, and constrain the geometry to reference planes. SeeCreating Family Geometry. 7. Flex the new model (types and hosts) to verify correct component behavior. See Testing the Family. 8. Repeat previous steps until the family geometry is complete. 9. Specify 2D and 3D geometry display characteristics with subcategory and entity visibility settings. SeeManaging Family Visibility and Detail Level. 10. Save the newly defined family, and then load it into a project for testing. See Testing the Family. 11. For large families that include many types, create a type catalog. See Creating a Type Catalog.

Understanding the Family Editor Revit Architecture Revit MEP

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Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide

The Family Editor is a graphical editing mode in Revit that allows you to create families to include in your project. When you start creating a family, you open a template to use in the Family Editor. The template can include multiple views, such as plan and elevation views. The Family Editor has the same look and feel as the project environment in Revit, but features different tools located on a single Create tab. You can access the Family Editor by:  

Opening or creating a new family (.rfa) file. Selecting an element created by a loadable or an in-place family type, and then right-clicking and clicking Edit Family. (You can also double-click a family element to open it for editing.)

Family Editor Tools 





The Family Types tool (Create tab Properties panel Family Types) opens the Family Types dialog. You can create new family types or new instance and type parameters. See Creating Family Types. The Dimension tools (Annotate tab Dimension panel) add permanent dimensions to the family, in addition to ones that Revit automatically creates as you draw the geometry. This is important if you wish to create different sizes of the family. The Model Line tool (Create tab Model panel Model Line) lets you draw two-dimensional geometry for when you do not need to show solid geometry. For example, you could draw door panels and hardware or duct as 2D rather than use solid extrusions.

Model lines are always visible in 3D views. You can control their visibility in plan and elevation views by selecting the lines and clicking Modify | Lines tab Visibility panel Visibility Settings. 

The Symbolic Line tool (Annotate tab Detail panel Symbolic Line) lets you draw lines that are meant for symbolic purposes only. For example, you might use symbolic lines in an elevation view to represent a door swing, or to represent the flow direction for a pipe fitting. Symbolic lines are not part of the actual geometry of the family. Symbolic lines are visible parallel to the view in which you draw them.

You can control symbolic line visibility on cut instances. Select the symbolic line, and click Modify | Lines tab Visibility panel Visibility Settings. In the Family element visibility settings dialog, select Show only if instance is cut. In this dialog, you can also control the visibility of lines based on the detail level of the view. For example, if you select Coarse, the symbolic lines are visible when you load the family into a project and place it in a view at the Coarse detail level. Tip: Use this dialog to control visibility of generic annotations loaded into model families. See Loading Generic Annotations into Model Families. 

The Opening tool (Create tab Model panel Opening) is available in host-based family templates only (such as wall-based or ceiling-based families). You create an opening by sketching its shape to the reference planes and then modifying its dimensions. After you create an opening, you

Workflow: Creating a Loadable Family

can select it and set it to display as transparent in 3D and/or elevation views when loaded into a project. You specify transparency on the Options Bar. Note: The Opening tool is also available in the project environment. 





The Reference Plane tool (Create tab Datum panel Reference Plane) creates a reference plane, which is an infinite plane that serves as a guide for drawing lines and geometry. The Reference Line tool (Create tab Datum panel Reference Line) creates a line similar to a reference plane, but that has logical start and end points. The Control tool (Create tab Control panel Control) lets you place arrows to rotate and mirror the geometry of a family, after you add it to your design. The following arrow controls are available on the Modify | Place Control tab Control Type panel (multiple selections are acceptable): o Single Vertical o Double Vertical o Single Horizontal o Double Horizontal

Revit rotates or mirrors the geometry about the origin. With 2 opposite-facing arrows, you can mirror horizontally or vertically.

You can place the controls anywhere in the view. It is best to place them where it is obvious what they control. Tip: Controls are useful when creating a door family. The double-horizontal control arrows change which side the door is hinged. The double-vertical control arrows change the swing of the door from inside-out to outside-in. Tip: Controls are useful when creating a pipe fitting family. The control arrows allow you to flip the fitting horizontally or vertically.    

  

 

The Text tool (Annotate tab Text panel Text) lets you add text notes to the family. This is typically used in an annotation family. The Model Text tool (Create tab Model panel Model Text) lets you add signage to a building or letters to a wall. The Section tool (View tab Create panel Section) lets you create a section view. The Component tool (Create tab Model panel Component) selects the type of component to be inserted into the Family Editor. After you select this tool, the Type Selector becomes active and you can select a component. The Symbol tool (Annotate tab Detail panel Symbol) lets you place 2D annotation drawing symbols. The Detail Component tool (Annotate tab Detail panel Detail Component) lets you place a detail component. The Masking Region tool (Annotate tab Detail panel Masking Region) lets you apply a mask that will obscure model elements when the family is used to create an element in a project. The Solid tools: Extrusion, Blend, Revolve, Sweep, and Swept Blend (Create tab Forms panel) let you create solid geometry in the family. The Void Forms tool (Create tab Forms panel Void Forms) provides access to tools that let you cut solid geometry in the family.

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Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide



The Label tool (Create tab Text panel Label) lets you place intelligent text in the family. This text represents a family property. When the property value is specified, it will show up in the family.

Note: This tool is available for annotation symbols only. 

The Load into Project tool (Create tab Family Editor panel Load Into Project) lets you load a family directly into any open project or family.

Planning a Loadable Family If you consider this list of requirements before creating a family, you will have an easier time creating it. Because there are bound to be changes as you create families, the Family Editor lets you make those changes without having to start over. 

Will the family need to accommodate multiple sizes?

For a lighting fixture that is available in several preset sizes, or a bookshelf that can be built in any length, create a standard component family. However, if you need to create a custom piece of equipment that only comes in one configuration, you may want to create it as an in-place family, instead of a loadable family. Size variability and the degree of complexity of the object determine whether you create a loadable family or an in-place family. 

How should the family display in different views?

The way the object should display in views determines the 3D and 2D geometry that you need to create, as well as how to define the visibility settings. Determine whether the object should display in a plan view, elevation view, and/or section views. 

Does this family require a host?

For objects typically hosted by other components, such as a window, lighting fixture, or rebar, start with a host-based template. How the family is hosted (or what it does or does not attach to) determines which template file should be used to create the family. 

How much detail should be modeled?

In some cases, you may not need 3D geometry. You may only need to use a 2D shape to represent the family. Also, you may simplify the 3D geometry of the model to save time in creating the family. For example, less detail is required for a wall outlet that will only be seen in interior elevations from a distance than for a door with raised panels and a sidelight that will be seen in an interior rendering. 

What is the origin point of this family?

For example, the insertion point for a column family could be the center of the circular base. Determining the appropriate insertion point will help you place the family in a project.

Workflow: Creating a Loadable Family

Flexing the Family Framework You can flex, or test, the parameters that you have applied to the family framework. To flex the framework, you adjust the parameter values, making sure that the reference planes to which you applied the parameter change accordingly. Flexing is a way to test the integrity of the parametric relationships. Flexing early and often as you create families ensures the stability of the families. To flex the framework 1. Click Create tab

Properties panel

(Family Types).

The Family Types dialog displays. Although you have not defined any family types yet, the dialog lists the parameters that you created. 2. Reposition the Family Types dialog on the screen, so you can view the framework.

3. In the Family Types dialog, under Parameter, locate the parameters that you created previously, and enter different values in each corresponding Value field. 4. Click Apply. The family framework should adjust to reflect the updated parameter values.

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5. Continue to flex the framework by specifying different parameter values. The more extensively you test the parameters, the more likely you are to create a stable family. 6. When you finish flexing the framework, click OK.

Testing the Family The complexity of the content that can be created in the family editor requires a robust testing plan to identify issues before the content is used in actual projects. The following general guidelines will help you improve the quality of your content. Additional testing may be required for specific family types. In the Family Editor      

Test all family parameters to ensure that the geometry flexes/adjusts correctly when the family parameters are modified. Test all family types - change the type, apply it, and inspect the geometry to verify that the dimensions and relationships are maintained. In a host-based family, verify that the host flexes as expected. Change the host thickness and ensure that the family geometry adjusts appropriately. Verify that the family preview image is using the Preview view. Check all views to ensure that the family displays appropriately in different detail levels and when different Model Graphics styles are applied. Test constraints:

Workflow: Creating a Loadable Family

o

o

Test the shape handles on the edge of the geometry to make sure that all geometry is constrained to either a reference plane or a reference line. Test the dimension parameter to make sure that the reference plane or line is being adjusted by the parameter and not the actual geometry.

In the Project Environment 

    

Using a test project, load the family in a project environment and check all views for any issues. (If the family includes a type catalog, use it to load the family.) Inspect the family appearance in all views (plan, reflected ceiling plan, elevation, section, 3D) at all detail levels (Coarse, Medium, Fine). Inspect the familly appearance in different Model Graphics Styles: Wireframe, Hidden Line, Shaded, Consistent Colors, and Realistic. Test all family types - change the type, apply it, and inspect the geometry to verify that the dimensions and relationships are maintained. Create new types and modify all parameters, checking all views for issues. Modify all material assignments to verify that materials are associated with the geometry correctly.

Tip: To better inspect family geometry, change all material type parameters to glass. If any of the family geometry does not display as glass, then a material parameter is assigned incorrectly.  

   

  

Modify category and subcategory materials to verify the family is not using material type parameters. For hosted families: o Place hosted families into the provided host thicknesses and confirm families work in all hosts appropriate to the family's use, including inplace walls and mass elements. o Modify the host thicknesses by 25% - 400%, and check for unconnected geometry and/or plan representations that may be disconnected from the geometry. Re-inspect the family appearance in all views to ensure that the geometry displays as expected. Dimension to all references and snap all references to walls. Create a test rendering. Test the following commands on geometry created in the family: o Copy/Paste o Rotate o Mirror Verify that the family preview image is using the Preview view. Test the family in an actual project, verify its performance, and ensure that the project matches the design intent of the family. Create a schedule to verify that the family schedules as expected.

Family-specific testing Family Type

Examples

Test

Freely-placed

Furniture, entourage

Test in a relevant project context.

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Family Type

Examples

Test For example, place furniture or casework elements on a floor with a texture to ensure that the elements mask the floor.

Hosted

Window, door

Ensure that the family interacts properly with a host and adjusts to different host thicknesses.

Face-based

Light fixture

Ensure that the family attaches properly to faces and doesn't improperly embed in, or project away from, the face of the object to which it is attached.

Detail component

Detail component

Ensure that the familiy snaps to other geometry correctly and that it masks any geometry on which it is placed.

Choosing a Family Template

Choosing a Family Template After you plan a family, your next step is to choose the template that you will base it on. When you create a family, you are prompted to select a family template that corresponds to the type of element that the family will create. The template serves as a building block, containing the information that you need to start creating the family and that Revit needs to place the family in projects. While most of the family templates are named according to the type of element family created from them, there are a number of templates that include one of the following descriptors after the family name:      

wall-based ceiling-based floor-based roof-based line-based face-based

Wall-based, ceiling-based, floor-based, and roof-based templates are known as host-based templates. A host-based family can be placed in a project only if an element of its host type is present.

Template Types Review the following template descriptions to determine which one best suits your needs. Template

Description

Wall-based

Use the wall-based templates to create components that will be inserted into walls. Some wall components (such as doors and windows) can include openings, such that when you place the component on a wall, it cuts an opening in the wall. Some examples of wall-based components include doors, windows, and lighting fixtures. Each template includes a wall; the wall is necessary for showing how the component fits in or on a wall.

Ceiling based

Use the ceiling-based templates to create components that will be inserted into ceilings. Some ceiling components include openings, so that when you place the component on a ceiling, it cuts an opening in the ceiling. Examples of ceiling-based families include sprinklers and recessed lighting fixtures.

Floor-based

Use the floor-based template for components that will be inserted into floors. Some floor components (such as a heating register) include openings, so that when you place the component on a floor, it cuts an opening in the floor.

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Template

Description

Roof-based

Use the roof-based template for components that will be inserted into roofs. Some roof components include openings, so that when you place the component on a roof, it cuts an opening in the roof. Examples of roof-based families include skylights and roof fans.

Standalone

Use the standalone template for components that are not host-dependent. A standalone component can be placed anywhere in a model and can be dimensioned to other standalone or host-based components. Examples of standalone families include furniture, appliances, duct, and fittings.

Adaptive

Use this template to create components that need to flexibly adapt to many unique contextual conditions. For example, adaptive components could be used in repeating systems generated by arraying multiple components that conform to user-defined constraints. When you select an adaptive template, you are creating a massing family using a special family editor in the Conceptual Design Environment.

Line-based

Use the line-based templates to create detail and model families that use 2-pick placement.

Face-based

Use the face-based template to create work plane-based families that can modify their hosts. Families created from the template can make complex cuts in hosts. Instances of these families can be placed on any surface, regardless of its orientation. See Creating a Work Plane-based Family.

Specialty

Use a specialty template when the family requires unique interaction with the model. These family templates are specific to only one type of family. For example, the Structural Framing template can only be used for creating structural framing content.

Deciding Which Template to Use Don't limit your selection of a family template by category. Select the style of hosting or the behavior that is required when choosing a template, and then change the category to match the type of family needed. Additionally, some types of families require a special family template to function properly. To create a... 2D family

Select from the following template types...   

Detail Item Profile Annotation

Choosing a Family Template

To create a...

Select from the following template types... 

Titleblock

3D family that requires specific functionality

    

Baluster Structural Framing Structural Truss Rebar Pattern Based

3D family that is hosted

    

Wall Based Ceiling Based Floor Based Roof Based Face Based

3D family that is unhosted

   

Line Based Standalone (Level Based) Adaptive 2-Level Based (Column)

Creating a Family from a Template To create a loadable family, you select a family template, and then name and save the family file. Name the family so it adequately describes the element that it is intended to create. Later, when the family is complete and you load it into a project, the family name displays in the Project Browser and the Type Selector. You can save families to any local or network location. After you create families, you can use the Copy and Paste commands in Microsoft® Windows Explorer to move the families to different locations. Note: Do not save the family to a location where others can access it until you complete and test the family. To create a family with a template 1. Click

New

Family.

Note: If you are creating an annotation or titleblock family, click Annotation Symbol or Title Block.

New

Depending on the current drawing units, the New Family - Select Template File dialog displays the available imperial or metric family templates that are installed in a subfolder of this location: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Autodesk\\Family Templates Note: Depending on your software installation or office standards, the family templates may be installed in another location, either locally or on a network. Contact your CAD Manager for more information.

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2. Optionally, to preview a template, select it. The template preview image displays in the upper right corner of the dialog. 3. Select the family template that you want to use, and click Open. The new family opens in the Family Editor. For most families, 2 or more dashed green lines display. These are reference planes, or the working planes that you will use when you create the family geometry.

If you are creating a host-based family, host geometry may also display.

Choosing a Family Template

4. In the Project Browser, notice the list of family views. The family views vary depending on the type of family that you create. If necessary, you can create additional views by duplicating and renaming existing views. 5. Click Save As Family. 6. In the Save dialog, navigate to the location in which you want to save the family, enter a name for the family, and click Save. Note: Use title case for the family name.

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Choosing a Category Select the family category based on how the family is classified in the industry, that is, how the part is ordered from a manufacturer. Typically, a Revit project will include a schedule of related parts organized by type of manufacturer. For example, say you are creating a desk for an office environment. If this type of desk would be purchased from a system furniture manufacturer, then the family should be of the System Furniture category. The desk will schedule with the related items to be purchased from that type of manufacturer.

Cuttable Families  

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

 

If a family is cuttable, the family displays as cut when the cut plane of a view intersects that family in all types of views. In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, there is an option called When cut in Plan/RCP. This option determines if family geometry is shown when the cut plane intersects that family. For example, in door families, the geometry for plan swing is set to be shown when the door is cut in plan views and not shown when the door is not cut. This option is never made available and is never selected for non-cuttable families. For some cuttable families, the option is made available, and you can select it. For other cuttable families, the option is never made available, but it is always selected. The following table lists cuttable families and whether the option is made available for that family. Note: Not Applicable means the category is a system family that cannot be made from a family template.

Cuttable Family Category Option Made Available Casework

Yes

Ceilings

Not Applicable

Columns

Yes

Curtain Wall Panels

No

Doors

Yes

Floors

Not Applicable

Generic Models

No

Choosing a Category

Cuttable Family Category Option Made Available Roofs

Not Applicable

Site

Yes

Structural Columns

Yes

Structural Foundations

Yes

Structural Framing

Yes

Topography

No

Walls

Not Applicable

Windows

Yes

Non-Cuttable Families The following families are not cuttable and are always shown in projection in views:             

Balusters Detail Items Electrical Equipment Electrical Fixtures Entourage Furniture Furniture Systems Lighting Fixtures Mechanical Equipment Parking Planting Plumbing Fixtures Specialty Equipment

Creating Family Subcategories When you create a family, the template assigns it to a category that defines the default display of the family (line weight, line color, line pattern, and material assignment of the family geometry) when the family is loaded into a project. To assign different line weights, line colors, line patterns, and material assignments to different geometric components of the family, you need to create subcategories within the category. Later, when you create the family geometry, you assign the appropriate components to the subcategories.

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For example, in a window family, you could assign the frame, sash, and mullions to one subcategory and the glass to another. You could then assign different materials (wood and glass) to each subcategory to achieve the following effect.

In a plumbing fixture family, you could assign the sink to one subcategory and the fittings to another. You could then assign different materials to each subcategory. Revit features some predefined subcategories for different categories of families. Other families have no subcategories, which means that you can define your own. The Object Styles dialog lists family categories and subcategories. It also displays the line weight, line color, line pattern, and material assigned to each category and subcategory. Tip: You can apply a drafting pattern to a family. When you create and define a subcategory to apply to the family, you can specify its surface and cut pattern materials to have a drafting pattern. You cannot apply a model pattern to a family. Only flat or cylindrical surfaces can have drafting patterns. See Fill Patterns. 1. With the family open, click Manage tab Settings panel (Object Styles). 2. On the Model Objects tab of the Object Styles dialog, under Category, select the family category. 3. Under Modify Subcategories, click New.

Choosing a Category

4. In the New Subcategory dialog, for Name, enter a new name. Revit automatically selects the appropriate category in the Subcategory of list. 5. Click OK. Although you will not immediately create and assign the subcategory to the family geometry, you can specify the line weight, line color, line pattern, and material for the subcategory. 6. Specify values for line weight, line color, line pattern, and material:  Click in the Projection and Cut fields for Line Weight, and select values from the lists.  Click the button in the Line Color field, and select a color from the Color dialog. If desired, define a custom color.  Click in the Line Pattern field, and select a line pattern from the list. If desired, define a new line pattern for the line display.  Click in the Material field, and specify a material, cut pattern, surface pattern, or render appearance. See Materials. 7. To define additional subcategories, repeat steps 3 - 6. 8. Click OK.

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Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide

Creating the Family Framework After you plan a family, the next step is to create the family framework (skeleton). The framework is comprised of reference planes and parameters in which you later create the family geometry. It also defines the origin (insertion point) of elements that you create with the family. To create the framework, you begin by defining the family origin. You then build the framework with elements called reference planes and reference lines. Next you define family parameters. The parameters that you define at this stage usually control the size (length, width, height) of the element, and let you add family types.

A view of a family framework When the framework is complete, you test it by changing the parameter values and ensuring that the reference planes resize. By creating solid frameworks from the information that you gather in your planning stage before you create the family geometry, you ensure the stability of the families that you create.

Defining the Family Origin After you create a component family, define the family origin and pin (lock) it in place. Later, when you create an element with the finished family, the family origin specifies the element insertion point.

Creating the Family Framework

The intersection of 2 reference planes in a view defines the origin of a family. You can control which reference planes define the origin by selecting them and changing their properties. Many family templates create families with predefined origins, but you may need to set the origin of some families. For example, an accessible toilet family that creates toilet elements must always be placed a certain distance from an adjacent wall to meet code. Therefore, the family origin would need to be located at the specified distance from the wall. To define the family origin in a new family To define the family origin in an existing family 1. In the Family Editor, verify whether an origin has been defined for the family by selecting the reference planes and checking the Defines Origin property on the Properties palette. If Defines Origin is selected for 2 intersecting reference planes, the origin is defined for the family, and you can skip the remaining steps. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Click Create tab Datum panel (Reference Plane). Sketch the reference plane. Select the reference plane. On the Properties palette, under Other, select Defines Origin, and click Apply. Create or open a family. In a plan view, while pressing Ctrl, select both reference planes. Click Modify | Reference Planes tab Modify panel (Pin). With the reference planes still selected, on the Properties palette, select Defines Origin.

The intersection of the reference planes now defines the origin/insertion point of the family. By pinning the planes, you ensure that you do not accidentally move them, which would change the family insertion point.

Laying Out Reference Planes Before you create family geometry, you should sketch reference planes. You can then snap sketches and geometry to the reference planes.  



Position new reference planes so that they align with the major axes of the planned geometry. Name each reference plane so that you can assign it to be the current work plane. The name lets you see the reference plane so that you can select it to use as a work plane. Specify the property for reference planes that lets you dimension to them when the family is placed in a project.

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A bookcase family created within a framework of reference planes

A flange family created within a framework of reference planes

Creating the Family Framework

A metal deck family created within a framework of reference planes To lay out reference planes   

Click Create tab Datum panel (Reference Plane). Specify a start point and an end point for the reference plane. Name the reference plane so that you can identify it in when you open other views: o Select the reference plane, and on the Properties palette, under Identity Data, for Name, enter a name for the reference plane. o Click Apply.

Defining Priorities for Reference Planes Reference planes have a property called Is Reference. By setting this property, you specify that the reference plane can be dimensioned or snapped to when you place a family into a project. For example, if you create a table family and want to dimension the edges of the table, create reference planes at the table's edges and set the Is Reference property for the reference planes. When you create dimensions for the table, you can then select the table's edges. Is Reference also sets a reference point for dimensions when you use the Align tool. Specifying the Is Reference parameter lets you select different reference planes or edges of aligned components for dimensioning. The Is Reference property also controls if a shape handle is available on instance parameters in the project environment. Shape handles are only created on instance parameters attached to reference planes with strong or weak strength. To dimension or snap to a location on families placed in a project, you need to define the references in the Family Editor. You set the reference plane attached to the geometry as either strong references or weak references.

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





A strong reference has the highest priority for dimensioning and snapping. For example, you create a window family and place it into a project. As you are placing the family, temporary dimensions snap to any strong references in the family. When you select the family in the project, temporary dimensions appear at the strong references. If you place a permanent dimension, the strong references in the window geometry highlight first. A strong reference takes precedence over a wall reference point (such as its centerline). A weak reference has the lowest priority for dimensioning and snapping. When you place the family into the project and dimension to it, you may need to press Tab to select a weak reference, as any strong references highlight first. A not a reference is not visible in the project environment so you cannot dimension or snap to those locations in a project.

Table 1. System Defined Is Reference Values Strong References          

Strong Reference Left Center (Left/Right) Right Front Center (Front/Back) Back Bottom Center (Elevation) Top

Weak References

Not a References

Weak Reference

Not a Reference

If you create multiple families with the same Is Reference value for a particular reference plane, the dimensions to that reference plane apply when you switch between family components. Examples 



You create a table family and a chair family, and specify the left side reference plane property value to Left for both of them. You place the table in a building and dimension it from the wall to the left side of the table. If you replace the table with the chair, the dimension to the left side would remain to the left side of the chair because they both had a property value of Left. You create a toilet family and a sink family, and specify the left side reference plane property value to Left for both of them. You place the toilet in a building and dimension it from the wall to the left side of the toilet. If you replace the toilet with the sink, the dimension to the left side would remain to the left side of the sink because they both had a property value of Left.

To specify the Is Reference value:

Creating the Family Framework

 

Click Create tab Datum panel Reference Line (or Reference Plane), and sketch a line or reference plane. Select the line or plane, and on the Properties palette, for Is Reference, select Strong Reference.

Note: The default reference property for all reference planes and sketched lines is Weak Reference. 

Click Apply.

Using Reference Lines You can use reference lines to create a parametric family framework to which elements of the family can attach. Examples 

Use reference lines to parametrically control the angle of a door swing. Angular parameters applied to a reference line also control the elements attached to its face.

A bookcase family featuring a door with a swing controlled by a reference line

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

Use reference lines to control the angle of a curve of an elbow fitting.

An elbow pipe fitting family with an angle controlled by a reference line Reference lines are datum objects with their own category. When selected, they display dual faces. When printing, their visibility is affected by the Hide ref/work planes option. Straight reference lines provide 4 faces or planes for you to sketch on, one that is parallel to the work plane of the line, one that is perpendicular to that plane, and one at each endpoint. All planes go through the reference line. The planes display when the reference line is selected or highlighted, or when you use the Work Plane tool. When selecting a work plane, you can place the cursor over a reference line and press Tab to switch between the 4 planes. The plane in which the line was sketched always displays first. You can also create arc reference lines, but they do not define planes.

Creating the Family Framework

Reference Line Behavior in the Project After a family is loaded into a project, the behavior of reference lines is identical to that of reference planes. Reference lines are not visible in a project and do not highlight when the family instance is selected. They highlight and generate shape handles in the same contexts as reference planes currently do, depending on their Reference property.

Selected reference line in multiple views

Controlling Angular Dimensions with Reference Lines The preferred method to control the angular dimensions of a family is to apply a labelled angular dimension to a reference line. Unlike reference planes (with infinite extents), a reference line has specific start and end points and can be used to control the angular constraints within components such as a web truss, a door with an instance door swing, or an elbow.

Loaded door family with an angular dimensioned reference line To add and dimension a reference line To add and align model geometry to a reference line

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1. In the drawing area (while in the Family Editor), add a reference line with the point of origin located at the point of expected rotation and align and lock the endpoint. 2. Add an angular dimension referring to the reference line. 3. Label the dimension. 4. On the Properties palette, click (Edit Type). 5. In the Family Types dialog, change the angular value for the labelled dimension, and click Apply. This is known as flexing the model. It is important to make sure the reference line adjusts as expected before adding model geometry to it. 6. Set the current work plane to one of the faces of the reference line. 7. Add the model geometry that you intend to have controlled by the angular dimension. 8. Flex the model to make sure the design works as expected. The geometry moves with the reference line as the angle changes.

Dimensioning Reference Planes and Lines The first step to creating family parameters is to place dimensions between the reference planes and lines of the framework to mark the parametric relationships that you intend to create. Dimensions alone do not create the parameters; you must label them to create parameters. 1. Identify the reference planes of the framework that you want to dimension to create parameters. 2. Click Annotate tab Dimension panel, and select a dimension type. 3. On the Options Bar, select the desired dimension options. 4. Place the dimensions between reference planes, or on reference lines. 5. To constrain the distance of the dimension, select the dimension if it is not selected, and click the lock symbol. The lock works like a toggle, so clicking the symbol will lock or unlock the constraint. Tip: It is recommended to constrain all dimensions to ensure that the geometry behaves as designed when the family is flexed. 6. Continue to dimension reference planes until all the parametric relationships have been dimensioned. Tip: You may need to open different views in the family to create some of the dimensions.

Creating Family Parameters

Creating Family Parameters You can create new instance parameters or type parameters for any family type. By adding new parameters, you have more control over the information contained in each family instance or type. You can create dynamic family types for increased flexibility within the model. To create parameters 1. In the Family Editor, click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types). 2. In the Family Types dialog, click New, and enter a name for the new type. This creates a new family type that will be available in the Type Selector when you load it into a project. 3. Under Parameters, click Add. 4. In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, select Family parameter. 5. Enter a name for the parameter. 6. Select a discipline. 7. For Type of Parameter, select the appropriate parameter type. Name

Description

Text

Completely customizable. Can be used to collect unique data.

Integer

A value that is always expressed as an integer.

Number

Used to collect miscellaneous numeric data. Can be defined by a formula. Can also have real numbers.

Length

Can be used to establish the length of an element or subcomponent. Can be defined by a formula. This is the default type.

Area

Can be used to establish the area of an element or subcomponent. Formulas can be used in this field.

Volume

Can be used to establish the length of an element or subcomponent. Formulas can be used in this field.

Angle

Can be used to establish the angle of an element or subcomponent. Formulas can be used in this field.

Slope

Can be used to create parameters that define slope.

Currency

Can be used to create currency parameters.

URL

Provides web link to user defined URL.

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Name

Description

Material

Establishes parameters in which a specific material can be assigned.

Yes/No

Used most often for instance properties when the parameter is defined with either a Yes or No.

Family Type

Used with nested components and allows you to swap components after the family is loaded into a project.

Divided Surface Type

Establishes parameters with which divided surface components (such as panels and patterns) can be driven. Formulas can be used in this field.

8. For Group parameter under, select a value. After the family is loaded into a project, this value determines which group header the parameter displays under on the Properties palette. 9. Select either Instance or Type. This defines whether the parameter is an Instance or Type parameter. 10. Optionally, if you selected Instance in step 9, you can select Reporting Parameter. See Reporting Parameters. 11. Click OK.

Family Category and Parameters The Family Category and Parameters tool assigns the properties of a predefined family category to the component you are creating. The tool is only available within the Family Editor. Family parameters define behaviors or Identity Data that apply across all types in that family. Different categories have different family parameters based on how Revit expects the component to be used. Some common examples of family parameters that control how the family behaves include:   



Always vertical: When selected, the family always appears vertical at 90 degrees, even if it is on a sloping host, such as a floor. Work Plane-Based: When selected, the family is hosted by the active work plane. You can make any non-hosted family a work plane-based family. Shared: This parameter is only relevant when the family is nested into another family and loaded into a project. If the nested family is shared, you can select, tag, and schedule the nested family separately from the host family. If the nested family is not shared, then components created by the host family and nested family act as a single unit. Identify Data parameters include Omniclass Number and Omniclass Title which are based on the Omniclass Table 23 product classification.

To specify family parameters:

Creating Family Parameters

1. In the Family Editor, click Create tab (or Modify tab) Properties panel (Family Category and Parameters). 2. From the dialog, select a family category whose properties you want to import into the current family. 3. Specify the family parameters. Note: Family parameter options vary depending on family category. 4. Click OK.

Labeling Dimensions to Create Parameters After you dimension the family framework, you label the dimensions to create parameters. For example, the dimensions below have been labeled with length and width parameters.

Labeled dimensions become modifiable parameters for families. You can modify their values using the Family Types dialog in the family editor. When the family is loaded into a project, you can modify any instance parameters on the Properties palette, or open the Type Properties dialog to modify type parameter values. If a parameter exists in the family for the dimension type, you can select it as a label. If not, you must create the parameter, specifying whether it is an instance or type parameter. To label dimensions and create parameters 1. While in the Family Editor, select the dimension.

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2. On the Options Bar, for Label, select a parameter, or choose , and create a parameter. See Creating Parameters. After creating the parameter, you can use the Family Types tool on the Properties panel to modify the default value, or specify a formula, as required. 3. If desired, select Leader to create a leader line for the dimension.

Creating Family Types Using the Family Types tool, you can create many types (sizes) for a family. To do this, you need to have labeled the dimensions and created the parameters that are going to vary. Examples

A bookcase family that creates 4 different bookcase types (sizes)

Creating Family Parameters

A lighting fixture family with 4 different types (sizes) Each family type has a set of properties (parameters) that includes the labeled dimensions and their values. You can also add values for standard parameters of the family (such as Material, Model, Manufacturer, Type Mark, and others). To create family types 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types). In the Family Types dialog, under Family Types, click New. Enter the family name, and click OK. In the Family Types dialog, enter the values for the type parameters. Click OK.

Creating Instance Parameters As you create families, you can specify labeled dimensions as instance parameters; the parameters are modifiable when the family instance is placed in a project. Labeled dimensions specified as instance parameters can also have shape handles that display when the family is loaded into a project. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Sketch family geometry using Family Editor tools. Create dimensions for the family geometry. Label the dimensions. See Labeling Dimensions to Create Parameters. Select the dimensions and, on the Options Bar, select Instance Parameter.

Note: If you label dimensions by selecting a label on the Options Bar, you can select Instance Parameter without re-selecting the dimensions. 5. Click Modify | Dimensions tab

Properties panel

(Family Types).

In the Family Types dialog, notice the new instance parameter. The (default) label indicates the value for the instance parameter when you place the family in a

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project. For example, if you create an instance parameter called length with a default value of 3000 mm, the family instance will have a length of 3000 mm when placed in a project. 6. Save changes and load the family into a project. Select an instance of the family, and on the Properties palette, notice that the labeled dimensions are available for modification.

Adding Shape Handles to a Loadable Family You can add shape handles to a component family that display when the family is loaded into a project. The shape handles let you resize the component in the drawing area, instead of creating multiple types in the Family Editor. See Controls and Shape Handles.

Example of a generic component in plan and 3D views with shape handles added To add shape handles to a component family, you must:      

Add reference planes to the family. Add geometry so that the sketch of the geometry is aligned to the reference planes. For the reference planes, verify that the Is Reference value is other than Not a Reference. Add a dimension to the reference planes. Label the dimension as an instance parameter. Save the family and load it into a project. When you select the component in the drawing area of the project, shape handles display where the reference planes are aligned and dimensioned.

Using Formulas in the Family Editor 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

In the Family Editor, lay out reference planes. Add dimensions, as required. Label the dimensions. See Labeling Dimensions to Create Parameters. Add the geometry, and lock the geometry to the reference planes. On the Properties panel, click (Family Types).

Creating Family Parameters

6. In the Family Types dialog, in the Formula column next to the appropriate parameter, type the formula for the parameter. For more information about entering formulas, see Valid Formula Syntax and Abbreviations.

Adding Metadata to a Family You can add metadata to the Type or Instance properties of a family in both the Family Editor and in the project environment. Default parameters are provided for the typical metadata attributes of a family, such as manufacturer, model, description, and cost, but you can add parameters as needed. See Creating Family Parameters. This data can be included in schedules. See Schedules. Additional parameters built into families allow linking to information not included in the family. 





The URL parameter allows you to provide the user with a direct link to the manufacturer's website by opening a link in the user's default web browser to the selected location. For example, if you are creating a manufacturerspecific window family you could link directly to the window specification on the window manufacturer's website. Provide the full website address (http://www.somewhere.com/windows/model1234.html) to ensure the link opens the desired page. The Keynote parameter refers to the defined keynote table to look up the values in a list of values. To specify the keynote table and make the settings available to the family, in the Family Editor, click Manage tab Additional Settings drop-down Keynoting Settings. See Keynotes. The Assembly Code parameter opens a dialog with Uniformat Classifications for you to choose from.

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Creating Family Geometry You can use both 2- and 3-dimensional geometry to create families. Create solid geometric shapes to represent the element that the family is intended to create. Use 2D linework to add detail to solid geometry in certain views or to create a symbolic plan representation of an element. As you create the family geometry, you can specify the visibility, material, and an optional subcategory of the geometry. These settings determine how and when the specific geometric components of the family display. To ensure the stability of each parametric family, build the family geometry incrementally, testing (flexing) the parametric relationships in each increment.

Constraining Family Geometry As you are adding geometry to your component family, you need to constrain the geometry to the parametric framework previously created. For the best results, the sketches of the geometry should be constrained to the reference planes driving the parametric relationships. To constrain the sketch of a piece of geometry during creation, use the Align tool and select the specific reference plane and the sketch line to establish the constraint. When the lock symbol displays, click it to lock the constraint. If the constraint is labeled, then the parameter created from the constraint will allow the geometry to adjust with changes to the parameter.



Creating Family Geometry

Automatic Sketch Dimensions Revit creates automatic dimensions to help control your design intent. These automatic dimensions are not displayed by default. To turn them on, select Automatic Sketch Dimensions on the Annotation Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog. You can then modify the dimensions or create your own dimensions using the Dimension tools. You can also lock dimensions to keep a distance constant. This is useful if you plan to have several sizes of the family and want to keep certain dimensions constant while the family changes size.

Effects of Automatic Dimensions on Your Geometry When automatic sketch dimensions constrain geometry to reference planes, you may see some unexpected behavior in your project. The automatic sketch dimensions are Revit's way of solving how to grow or shrink geometry based on changes in value of a family parameter.

Example You have added a rectangular window to a fire door that has a labeled dimension for the width, but you have not dimensioned the window.

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You decide to change the width of the door, but you want the window width to stay the same. You expect its position to remain unchanged; however, observe what happens when you increase the width of the door using the Family Types tool.

Creating Family Geometry

In this example, the window is constrained to the centerline of the door and the right side of the door panel, both of which are represented by reference planes. The window's position remains fixed relative to those reference planes. To see the automatic sketch dimensions, edit the sketch of the window and turn on the visibility of the dimensions. You will see how the vertical sketch lines of the window are dimensioned to the center and right reference planes.

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Image legend: 1. Auto sketch dimension to right reference plane. 2. Auto sketch dimension to center reference plane. To achieve the desired results, add locked dimensions. For example, you could add a locked dimension for the width of the window and a locked dimension from the window to the right reference plane.

Visibility of Automatic Sketch Dimensions in the Family Editor Automatic sketch dimensions are turned off by default. They display if there is at least one labeled dimension in the family. Notice in the following image that there is a dimension added to the geometry, but the dimension has no label.

Creating Family Geometry

No automatic sketch dimensions are visible. To turn on visibility of automatic sketch dimensions 1. While in sketch mode, click View tab Graphics panel (Visibility/Graphics), or type VG. 2. On the Annotation Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, expand the Dimensions category, select Dimensions, and select Automatic Sketch Dimensions. 3. Click OK. 4. Place and label a dimension. The automatic sketch dimensions display.

Revit now knows where each line of this geometry exists with respect to reference planes or other sketch lines.

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As you add locked dimensions, they replace the automatic sketch dimensions, as shown.

Duplicating Parameterized Elements When creating a component in the Family Editor, you often need to create identical elements that are controlled by the same parameters, such as labelled dimensions or visibility parameters. Examples 



If you create a window family with muntins controlled by a visibility parameter, you can create the first muntin, apply the visibility parameter to it, and then copy, array, or mirror the muntin. The visibility parameter of the original muntin is applied to the duplicated muntins. If you create a lighting family with lighting fixtures controlled by a visibility parameter, you can create the first fixture, apply the visibility parameter to it, and then copy, array, or mirror the fixture. The visibility parameter or the original fixture is applied to the duplicated fixtures.

If you copy, array, or group a parameterized element, the parameters that control that element are also copied. In the example shown below, a generic family was created with 2 extrusions. The bottoms of both extrusions are aligned to the horizontal reference plane. The height of the large extrusion is controlled by the labelled dimension H. The height of the smaller extrusion is controlled by the labelled dimension (H/2). In the Family Types

Creating Family Geometry

dialog, a formula was added to the (H/2) parameter to make it equal to Height/2. In addition, a visibility parameter was created and applied to the smaller extrusion, which has a split and painted face.

Elements controlled by parameters (labelled dimensions in this case) Continuing with the example shown above, to create a series of elements identical to the sub-height element, you can copy, array, or mirror the element, and the associated parameters are copied with it. In the image below, you can see that the smaller element was arrayed and the labelled dimension, painted face, and visibility parameters are applied to each arrayed element.

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Array of parameterized elements In the Family Types dialog, if the Height value in this example is changed from 6 to 8, notice that the arrayed elements adjust to the new values.

Arrayed elements adapt to changed parameter values

Creating Family Geometry

Assigning Family Geometry to Subcategories You can assign different pieces of family geometry to subcategories within the family category. A subcategory controls the line weight, line color, line pattern, and material of the geometry assigned to it, independent of the family category settings. By assigning portions of the family geometry to different subcategories, you can display the portions with different line weights, line colors, line patterns, and material assignments.

Window Family Example For example, in a window family, you could assign the frame, sash, and mullions to one subcategory, and the glass to another. You could then assign different materials (wood and glass) to each subcategory to achieve the following effect.

Bathtub Family Example For example, in a bathtub family, you could assign the faucet to one subcategory, and the tub basin to another. You could then assign different materials to each subcategory to achieve the following effect.

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If you haven’t created subcategories or the family does not contain them by default, you can create them at any time. See Creating Family Subcategories. To assign family geometry to a subcategory 1. In the Family Editor, select the family geometry that you want to assign to the subcategory. 2. On the Properties palette, under Identity Data, for Subcategory, select a subcategory. 3. Click Apply.

Managing Family Visibility and Detail Level Visibility of a family determines in which view the family displays and what it looks like in that view. Typically, when an element is created by a family, the geometry of the element will change, depending on the current view. In a plan view, you may want to see a 2D representation of the element. In a 3D or elevation view, you may want a fully detailed 3D representation of the element. You have the flexibility to display different levels of geometry. For example, you could create a door frame and use lines to represent it. Or you could extrude the door frame, so it has a 3D representation. Detail Level determines the visibility of elements at different levels of detail. For example, you might create a door with certain embellishments. You then may decide that the embellishments should only appear at a certain detail level. You control the detail level in a project view with the Detail Level option on the view control bar. You can set the visibility and detail level of any 2D and 3D geometry in the family after you create it. Families are either cuttable or non-cuttable. If a family is cuttable, the family displays as cut when the cut plane of a plan view intersects that family in all types

Creating Family Geometry

of views. If the family is non-cuttable, it displays in projection, regardless of whether it is intersected by the cut plane. You can determine if a family category is cuttable in the Object Styles dialog (click Manage tab Settings panel Object Styles). If the Line Weight Cut column is disabled, the category is non-cuttable.

Setting Family Geometry Visibility 1. Select the geometry, and click Modify | tab Mode panel (Visibility Settings). 2. In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, select the views in which you want the geometry to display:  Plan/RCP  Front/Back  Left/Right Note: All geometry automatically displays in 3D views. 3. If desired, select When cut in Plan/RCP (if category permits). If you select this option, the geometry appears cut if it is intersected by the cut plane of the view. If the element is cut by a section view, it also shows if you select this option. 4. Select the detail levels at which you want the geometry to display in a project:  Coarse  Medium  Fine Detail levels are dependent upon view scale. Note: The Family Element Visibility Settings dialog is different for families of profiles and detail components. For these families, you can set only the detail level. 5. Click OK. Tip: You can set family elements to be visible or not visible in the project by associating the Visible parameter of solid geometry tools with a family parameter for that element. The Visible parameter is available for solid geometry tools (blends, sweeps, swept blends, revolves, and extrusions). This lets you create one family type with optionally visible geometry on it. Note that the family geometry still exists in the project, it is just invisible. For example, it may still be involved when you join geometry in the project.

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Annotation Labels An annotation label is a text placeholder added to tags or title blocks. You create a label as part of a tag or title block family while in the Family Editor. When you place the tag or title block in the project, you place substitution text for the label, and the text appears as part of the family. 1. Click New Annotation Symbol or Title Block. 2. In the displayed dialog, select the appropriate template for the family you are creating. 3. In the Family Editor, click Create tab Text panel (Label). 4. In the Type Selector, select the label type. 5. On the Format panel, select the vertical and horizontal justification. 6. In the drawing area, click to position the tag. For example, in a generic model tag template, place the cursor at the intersection of the two reference planes. The Edit Label dialog opens. 7. Edit the label parameters. See Editing Multi-parameter Labels.

Editing Multi-parameter Labels You assign single or multiple parameters to labels with the Edit Label dialog.

The Category Parameters window contains the label parameters related to the tag type. The Label Parameters window contains the Category Parameters that display in the label. Typically, this is a single parameter, but you can detail more complex, concatenated labels.

Annotation Labels

Building a Label You add and remove parameters by moving them between the windows:  

Highlight a parameter in the Category Parameters window and click (Add Parameter) to move it into the Label Parameters window. Highlight a parameter in the Label Parameters window and click (Remove Parameter) to move it into the Category Parameters window.

Labels display their parameters from the first to the last (top to bottom) as listed in the Label Parameters window. You reorder the label by highlighting a parameter and shift its position using (Move Parameter Up) and (Move Parameter Down).

Shared Label Parameters You can configure the label with shared external parameters of other families. You configure shared parameters before moving them over to the Label Parameters window. The Category Parameters controls aid in this integration: 

Add Parameter. Click this button to enter the Parameter Properties dialog. See Adding Shared Parameters to Families.

For Generic Annotation families, you can use the Add Parameter button to introduce new Family Parameters to the Generic Annotation family. 



Edit Parameter. Click this button to enter the Parameter Properties dialog to edit a selected parameter. See Viewing, Moving, and Deleting Shared Parameters. Delete Parameter. Click this button to delete a selected family parameter.

To delete a shared parameter, see Viewing, Moving, and Deleting Shared Parameters. Note: Deleted shared parameters are removed from all sharing labels.

Label Parameter Options The columns in the Label Parameters window display annotation options for the label. The parameter names are listed in order in the first column. Spaces. You increase or decrease the spacing between parameters in the label by entering a representative number of spaces (zero or greater). This option disables if the Break option is selected. Prefix. You can add a prefix to the parameter value by adding a text string in this option. Sample Value. You can change how the place-holding text appears in the parameter. Suffix. You can add a suffix to the parameter value by adding a text string in this column.

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Break. You force a line break immediately after the parameter by checking this box. Otherwise, the text wraps within the label boundary. Wrap between parameters only. You force text wrapping in the label to break at the end of parameters by checking this box. If not selected, text wraps at the first word reaching the boundary. Unadjusted label text

Wrapping label text

Breaking label text

Edit Label Unit Formats If you create a label with a length, area, volume, angle, number, currency, or slope parameter, you can format the appearance of the parameter. 1. In the Edit Label dialog, choose a length or area parameter, such as Room area. 2. Click . The Format dialog displays.

The Use project settings option is selected by default. This means that the value displays according to the Units setting in the project. See Project Units. 3. Clear Use project settings. 4. From the Units menu, select an appropriate unit. 5. From the Rounding menu, select a decimal place value. If you choose Custom from the menu, enter a value in the Rounding increment text box.

Annotation Labels

6. If applicable, select a Unit suffix from the menu. 7. Select Suppress 0 feet to hide leading zeros on dimensions, such as 0' 6". This option is available only for feet and fractional inches. 8. Click OK.

Label Type Properties You can modify the Type Properties of labels. Name

Description

Graphics Color

Sets the color of the text and the leader line.

Line weight

Sets the thickness of the line that surrounds the text when you select the text and the thickness of the leader line. You can change the definition of the line weight numbers using the Line Weights tool. See Line Weights.

Background

Sets the background for the text note. With Opaque, the background of the note itself covers material behind it. Transparent allows you to see material behind the note. This is useful with text notes placed in color-defined rooms.

Show Border

Displays a border around the text. See Displaying the Text Box Border.

Leader/Border Sets the distance between the leader/border and the text. See Offset Modifying the Leader/Border Offset. Text Text Font

Sets the Microsoft® True Type fonts for the text note. The default font is Arial.

Text Size

Sets the size of the typeface.

Tab Size

Sets tab spacing in a text note. When you create a text note, you can press Tab anywhere in the text note, and a tab appears at the specified size.

Bold

Sets the text typeface to bold.

Italic

Sets the text typeface to italic.

Underline

Underlines the text.

Width Factor

1.0 is the default for regular text width. The font width scales proportionately to the Width Factor. Height is not affected.

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Label Instance Properties You can modify the Instance Properties of labels. Name

Description

Graphics Sample Text

Read-only field that displays the Sample Value from the Edit Label dialog.

Label

Launches the Edit Label dialog.

Wrap between parameters only

Forces text wrapping to break at the end of parameters. If not selected, text wraps at the first word reaching the label boundary.

Vertical Align

Orients text at the Top, Middle, or Bottom of the label boundary.

Horizontal Align

Justifies text to the Left, Center, or Right of the label boundary.

Keep Readable

Text in the label remains readable whenever you rotate it. It never displays upside-down.

Visible

Sets whether the label is visible in a project.

Applying the Label to a Tag in a Project 1. In a project, click Insert tab Load from Library panel (Load Family). 2. Navigate to the family you want to load, and click Open. If prompted to replace a family of the same type, click Yes. 3. If you created a window, door, or room tag, place one of those components to see the new tag you created. 4. If the element does not already have a tag associated with it: a. Place the element. b. Tag the element: click Annotate tab Tag panel Tag drop-down (By Category). 5. Select the element that you placed, for example, a window. 6. On the Properties palette, locate the parameter that you chose when creating the label in either the instance or type properties. For example, if you defined the label to include the Manufacturer parameter, click Edit Type to open the Type Properties dialog. 7. Enter a value for the parameter and click OK (if entering a type property). The label value displays in the tag.

Annotation Labels

Applying the Label to a Title Block in a Project 1. In a project, click Insert tab Load from Library panel 2. Create a sheet using the titleblock. See Sheets.

(Load Family).

The new sheet view opens with the label you created in the titleblock family. 3. Select the label. 4. On the Properties palette, locate the parameter you defined for the family and enter a value for it.

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Lookup Tables Lookup tables are used to define parameter values in an external commaseparated values (CSV) file. This lets you specify multiple part sizes that are based on a table without creating a separate family type for each size. Revit provides a size_lookup function that can be used to read the necessary values from a CSV file. Data from lookup tables for is stored within the family and use the size_lookup function. See Managing Lookup Tables. For upgraded projects, you can define the location of lookup table files with the LookupTableLocation parameter in the Revit.ini file. Folders are created for each type of content installed. Note: The Revit.ini file is located in this folder: %APPDATA%\Autodesk\Revit\ Lookup tables are used in conjunction with type catalogs. For information about creating type catalogs, see Creating a Type Catalog. The syntax for the size_lookup function uses the following format: result=size_lookup(LookupTableName, LookupColumn, DefaultIfNotFound, LookupValue1, LookupValue2, ..., LookupValueN) Where:

Is:

result

the returned value.

LookupTableName

the name of the CSV file to lookup.

LookupColumn

the name of the column from which the result value is to be returned.

DefaultIfNotFound

the value that will be returned if LookupValue is not found.

LookupValue(1-N)

the value to find in the first, second, and subsequent columns of the table. (When looking up values, the first column is skipped.)

Notes:  

The size_lookup function provides the ability to look up numerical values only. The size_lookup function is intended for instance parameters. If you want to use tabular data to define types with unique values for each type, see Creating a Type Catalog.

Lookup Tables

Managing Lookup Tables Data from lookup tables (CSV files) is stored within the family. Use the Manage Lookup Tables command while editing a family to import, export, or delete a lookup table. To manage lookup tables 1. In the Family Editor, click Create tab Types). 2. Under Lookup Tables, click Manage.

Properties panel

(Family

To import a lookup table 1. In the Manage Lookup Tables dialog, click Import. 2. In the Select File dialog, select a lookup table. Click OK. To export a lookup table 1. In the Manage Lookup Tables dialog, click Export. 2. In the Save As dialog, select a location for the lookup table. Click Open. To delete a lookup table 1. In the Manage Lookup Tables dialog, select a lookup table and click Delete. Note: A warning displays if you attempt to delete a lookup table that is being referenced by the parameters in a formula. Click Show details to see a list of the parameters. Click Delete Anyway to continue. Note: When you upgrade a project with a family that uses a lookup table which is not in the default lookup table folder, a warning displays indicating that one or more CSV files used by the size_lookup function are missing. Click Export to export a list of the missing files. You may also see this dialog when you open a project from another user that uses different CSV tables for a family.

CSV File Structure The first row of values in the CSV file is for header information, to describe the contents of subsequent columns. The headers are of the format ParameterName##ParameterType##ParameterUnits Acceptable parameter types are: NUMBER, LENGTH, AREA, VOLUME, ANGLE, and OTHER. For example, a column may have the following header: TotalArea##AREA##INCHES to represent the total area in square inches. The first column in the file contains a description. The Lookup Function processes the information in the file starting with column 2.

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Revit MEP Components This section describes features that distinguish Revit MEP families from standard loadable families. Before creating your own Revit MEP components, you should learn how to create families. For more information, see Creating Loadable Families.

Category Revit components fall into general categories (pipe fittings, lighting fixtures, and so on). The family category specified when a family is created determines which family parameters are activated. The settings for these family parameters affect the behavior for the part and identifies the type of component. In the Family Editor, the Family Category and Parameters settings are found in the Settings menu. Depending on the family category and the type of template that the family was derived from (host-based, generic model, detail component, generic tag, and so on), different family parameters apply. The following table lists each family category, and indicates the applicable family parameters. Family Category Family Parameter Work Always Light Part Maintain Shared Room Plane Vertical Source Type Annotation Location Based Orientation Point Air Terminals

X

X

X

X

Cable Tray Fittings

X

X

X

Communications X Devices

X

X

Conduit Fittings

X

X

X

Data Devices

X

X

X

Duct Accessories

X

X

X

X

Duct Fittings

X

X

X

X

Electrical Equipment

X

X

X

X

Electrical

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Revit MEP Components

Family Category Family Parameter Work Always Light Part Maintain Shared Room Plane Vertical Source Type Annotation Location Based Orientation Point Fixtures Fire Alarm Devices

X

X

Generic Models X

X

Lighting Devices X

X

Lighting Fixtures X

X

Mechanical Equipment

X

Nurse Call Devices

X

X

X X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Pipe Accessories

X

X

X

X

Pipe Fittings

X

X

X

X

Plumbing Fixtures

X

X

X

X

X

Security Devices X

X

X

X

X

Sprinklers

X

X

X

X

Telephone Devices

X

X

X

X

X

X

Light Source A light source is the part of a lighting fixture that emits light (such as a light bulb). In general, each lighting fixture family has one light source. To create a lighting fixture that uses multiple light sources (such as a chandelier or a set of track lights), create a nested family. When a light source is selected in the Family Category and Parameters dialog, you can specify the shape of the light element (point, line, rectangle, circle), and the light distribution (spherical, hemispherical, spot, or photometric web). You can also define photometric characteristics, such as Light Loss Factor, Initial Intensity, and

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Initial Color Control. In a project, you can adjust the position and brightness of each light source to achieve the desired lighting effects. When creating a lighting family, you can also specify an IES file. This file contains engineering data that can be used to calculate the coefficient of utilization of the fixture. The IES file is not used for rendering. Lighting manufacturers often allow you to download IES files from the Web for their fixtures. Some IES files are provided here: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Autodesk\\IES Note: If Revit was not installed in the default location, you can determine the correct path to the IES file as defined by the IESFileLocation parameter in the Revit.ini file, which is located in this folder: %APPDATA%\Autodesk\Revit\ .

Part Types The Part Type parameter provides additional subclassification of a family category, and determines the behavior for the parts in the family. The part type serves 2 functions: 



To only allow replacing a particular part with a similar part in a building project. Generally the Type Selector allows you to replace a family of one category with any other family of the same category. However, there are times when this is not appropriate. For example, for fittings it would not be valid to replace a cross with a transition. So there is a level of filtering built into the Type Selector for Revit. To determine the part type family. The ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database, Version 5.00.00 is integrated with Revit. This allows calculating fitting losses based on a loss table. To accurately look up the correct fitting in the database, the part type must be defined.

If a family category provides a Part Type parameter, the Part Type values available depend on the family category. The following table shows which part types apply to which family categories: Family Categories

Part Types

Air Terminals

Cross, Cross-Reducing, Damper, Duct Mounted Equipment, Elbow, ElbowReducing, Entry, Exit, Equipment, Fan and System Interaction, Hood, Junction, Obstruction, Tee, Tee-Reducing, Transition, Undefined, Valve

Duct Accessories Duct Fittings Mechanical Equipment

Revit MEP Components

Family Categories

Part Types

Pipe Accessories Pipe Fittings Plumbing Fixture Communication Devices

Normal, Panelboard, Transformer, Switchboard, Data Panel, Switch Junction Box

Data Devices Electrical Equipment Electrical Fixtures Fire Alarm Devices Lighting Devices Lighting Fixtures Nurse Call Devices Security Devices Telephone Devices Cable Tray Fitting

Channel Elbow, Channel Vertical Elbow, Channel Cross, Channel Tee, Channel Transition, Channel Union, Channel, Offset, Channel Multi Port, Ladder Elbow, Ladder Vertical Elbow, Ladder Cross, Ladder Tee, Ladder Transition, Ladder Union, Ladder Offset, Ladder Multi Port

Conduit Fittings

Elbow, Cap, Union, Multi Port, Tee, Cross, Junction Box Elbow

        

Damper: Used to control flow volume. Duct Mounted Equipment: Smoke detectors, steam generators Elbow: A bend or elbow type fitting Entry: Point at which fluid enters the system: louvers, grills, grates Exit: Point at which fluid leaves the system Equipment: Generic equipment Fan and System Interaction AHUs, inline fans Hood: Kitchen, lab or other exhaust hoods Junction: Intersection of 3 or more segments (tee, cross, wye)

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    

  



 

Obstruction: Anything that causes a pressure drop, such as an inline filter Transition: Shape or size change Undefined: No specific functionality Valve: Valves and similar accessories Data Panel: Panels used to connect devices with connectors of System Type Data, Telephone, Security, Fire Alarm, Nurse Call, Controls, and Communication. Normal: Devices such as receptacles, fire alarm components, and light fixtures. Panelboard: Used to connect devices/equipment with connectors with a System Type value of Power and to generate branch circuit type schedules. Switch: Control device such as a switch where wiring is typically not drawn through the devices. As indicated in the image, the automatically generated wiring branches to the switch. Junction Box: Wire management devices through which wiring is generally drawn through the device. As indicated in the image, the automatically generated wiring branches through the junction box.

Switchboard: Used to connect devices/equipment with connectors with a System Type value of Power and to generate branch circuit type schedules. Transformer: Used to interconnect Panelboards and/or Switchboards of differing voltages.

Revit MEP Components

Working with Connectors You can place connectors using one of the following methods: 

Place on Face

This option (Edge loop centered=true) maintains its point at the center of the edge loop. In most cases, this is the preferable method for placing a connector. Typically the Place on Face option is easier to use, and is suitable for most cases. 

Place on Work Plane

This option allows placement of the connector on a selected plane. For many cases, you can imitate the Place on Face option by specifying a plane and using dimensions to constrain the connector to the desired location. However, this method generally requires additional parameters and constraints to be used effectively.

Connector Orientation Fittings (pipe and duct fittings) expect the instance origin of the family to be the intersection of the connectors. In most cases for fittings, there is a point on the fitting where all of the connectors (if extended into the fitting) will collide. Fittings expect this collision to be placed at the original intersection of the Center (Front / Back), Center (Left / Right), and Reference Level work planes. For this reason, it is good practice to pin these reference planes before beginning to build the family. When you place fitting connectors, the primary connector must be placed on the face that is on the X-axis. Crosshairs display indicating that this is the primary connector. You can verify this by viewing the face in a floor plan view. Unexpected behavior can result if the primary connector is not properly placed relative to the other connectors, and if all connectors are not properly rotated and linked.

Connector rotation is a critical part of connector placement. The connector orientation determines the correct orientation of the objects that are automatically inserted on the part. Although this is not as important for round connectors, it is extremely important for rectangular connectors such as those on rectangular duct fittings. For rectangular connectors, the rectangular connector must be oriented so that the width is assigned to the face that is on the X and Y axes. The height is not on these axes. If rectangular connectors are not rotated properly, the rectangular duct fitting will be inserted improperly, creating an unexpected result. You may find

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it easier to rotate connectors in a 3D view, where the part geometry is clearly visible.

Connector arrows indicate the direction of a duct or pipe (extrusion) when it is being created to complete a connection. It does not indicate flow direction. In most instances, a connector arrow points outward away from the object to which the connector is associated. Otherwise, the duct or pipe when created will pass through the object geometry instead of away from it. You can modify the connector arrow direction by selecting the connector and clicking the flip arrows.

Placing a Connector Place a Connector on a Face 1. In the Family Editor, in the Project Browser, double-click Views (all) 3D Views 3D, and spin the model to view the face where you want to place a connector. The first connector that you place for a specific type is assigned as the primary connector. You can change the assignment later. 2. Click Create tab Connectors panel, and click a connector type, such as Duct Connector. 3. Place the cursor over the face that is on the X axis. After the edges highlight, click to place the primary connector. (By default, is already selected.)

Revit MEP Components

The primary connector is placed.

4. Select the connector and specify instance properties as needed. The sizes and orientation that you specify determines how connections are made with compatible components. You can enter parameter values or associate them with family parameters for the component.

Place a Connector on a Work Plane 1. In the Family Editor, open a plan view and a 3D view where you want to place a connector. The first connector that you place for a specific type is assigned as the primary connector. You can change the assignment later. 2. Click Create tab Connectors panel, and click a connector type (Electrical, Duct, Pipe, Cable Tray, or Conduit). For example, click Electrical Connector, and click Modify | Place Electrical Connector tab Placement panel (Work Plane). 3. In the Work Plane dialog, select the work plane where you want to place the connector, and click OK. In this example, an electrical connector is placed on the top work plane of a junction box.

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4. Select the connector, move it, and specify instance properties as needed. You can enter parameter values or associate them with family parameters for the component.

Selecting a Primary Connector The first connector that you place for a specific type is assigned as the primary connector. However, you can change the connector assignment at any time. You select the connector that is placed on the X-axis as the primary connector. 1. In the Family Editor, open a view that allows you to select the connector that will be assigned as primary. 2. Select a connector on the component, and click Modify | Connector Element tab Primary Connector panel (Re-assign Primary). Crosshairs display on the primary connector.

Orienting a Connector When connectors are added, you must verify that connector arrows point in the direction from which other components can connect, and that the width and height are properly oriented with respect to the component dimensions. 1. In the Family Editor, in the Project Browser, open a 3D view that allows you to select the connector that will be oriented. 2. To specify the direction for the connector arrow, select the connector, and click the flip control. 3. To rotate the connector, select the connector, and click Modify | Connector Element tab Modify panel (Rotate).

Linking Connectors 1. In the Family Editor, open a view containing the connectors being linked. 2. Select a connector. 3. Click Modify | Connector Element tab Connector Links panel (Link Connectors). Then select the connector that will be linked to the first connectors). 4. Select either of the linked connectors. Arrows display between the connectors to indicate the link.

Revit MEP Components

Unlinking Connectors 1. In the Family Editor, open a view containing the connector being unlinked. 2. Select either of 2 linked connectors. 3. Click Modify | Connector Element tab Connector Links panel (Remove Link). The link is removed.

Deleting a Connector 1. In the Family Editor, open a view containing the connector being deleted. 2. Select the connector, and press Delete or click Modify | Connector Element tab Modify panel (Delete).

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Advanced Loadable Family Techniques After you understand the basics of creating parametric families, there are more complex techniques that you can use when you create families, such as:   

Nesting and sharing families to combine the geometry of 2 or more families Linking family parameters Creating work plane-based families

Nesting and Sharing Component Families You can nest (insert) families within other families to create new families that contain the combined family geometry. For example, rather than model a light fixture with a light bulb family from scratch, you can create the combination-light family by loading a light bulb into a light fixture family. Whether you share families before you nest them determines the behavior of the nested geometry in elements that you create with the family. 



If you nest a family that is not shared, components created by the nested family act with the rest of the element as a single unit. You cannot select (edit), tag, or schedule the components separately. If you nest a shared family, you can select, tag, and schedule the components separately.

Window Family Example For example, rather than model a combination window family from scratch, you can create the combination-window family below by loading the Double Hung and Instance - Fixed families into a new window family. Place the fixed window instance in the center with a double hung window on each side.



In the sample window family shown above, an instance of the nested and unshared family would have only one window tag and would schedule as a single unit, as shown below.

Advanced Loadable Family Techniques



In an instance of the shared window family, the 3 windows would tag and schedule separately, even though the nested family would behave has a single component within the building model.

Nesting Restrictions There are certain restrictions regarding the type of families that you can load and nest in other families:   

Only annotation families can be loaded into other annotations. Only detail families and generic annotations can be loaded into details. Model families, details, generic annotations, section heads, level heads, and grid heads can be loaded into model families.

Nesting Families with Interchangeable Components By applying a family type parameter to a nested component, you can create families with interchangeable subcomponents. After you load and create an element with the nested family, you can swap components at any time.

Creating a Family with Nested Components To nest families in another family, create or open a host (base) family, and then load and insert instances of one or more family types into it. The base family can be a new (empty) family or an existing family.

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To create a family with nested components 1. Create or open a family into which you want to nest a family. 2. In the Family Editor, click Insert tab Load from Library panel (Load Family). 3. Select any families that you want to nest, and click Open. 4. Click Create tab Model panel (Component). 5. In the Type Selector, choose the component type that you want to nest. 6. Click in the drawing area to place the nested component in the family. 7. If necessary, repeat steps 4-6 to nest components in the family. 8. Save the family.

Creating a Family with Nested and Shared Components To create a family with nested and shared components, share the families before you nest them in a host family. The host family does not need to be a shared family. When you create a nested family of shared components, the first decision you need to make is in what category the host family will belong. This decision has many downstream implications for tagging, scheduling, and ODBC information, as described in the examples below.

Window Family Example A ganged window unit is created as a nested and shared family. In this case, the large center window was used as the host family and the 2 side windows were nested as shared families. This window is intended to be built on-site using the subcomponents that are purchased as separate units by the builder. The family was saved as Triple_window.rfa.

Advanced Loadable Family Techniques

Nested windows When the ganged unit shown above is loaded into a project, tagged, and scheduled, the result is as follows:

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Nested and shared families loaded into a project Notice that each window is tagged and scheduled separately. However, notice the ganged window name, Triple _window, is listed with the subcomponents. This window also represents the main window of the 3 window set. In the example shown below, the same triple window family was created, but with a new window family used as the host family and both the fixed window and the double-hung windows loaded as shared families. Notice the difference in the tagging and scheduling.

Advanced Loadable Family Techniques

Ganged window family started as a new family In the example shown above, notice the host family schedules with each of the 3 subcomponent windows. If this is not your design intent, you should follow the previous example, where one of the subcomponents is the host family.

Bathroom Unit Example A bathroom unit is created as a nested and shared family. The commercial toilet was used as the host family and the wall hung urinal and sink were nested as shared families. The family was saved as mens_bathroom.rfa

Nested urinal and lavatory sink When the bathroom unit shown above is loaded into a project and scheduled, the result is as follows:

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Nested and shared families loaded into a project Notice that each urinal and lavatory sink is scheduled separately. However, notice that the mens_bathroom unit, is listed with the subcomponents. To share a family before nesting it 1. Open a family to be shared, and click Create tab (Family Category and Parameters).

Properties panel

Attention: Annotation, profile, and in-place families cannot be shared families. 2. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select Shared. Although you can set most families as shared families, it only becomes relevant when the family is nested into another family and loaded into a project. 3. Click OK. 4. Save and close the family. To nest shared families in a host family 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Open the host family or start a new family. Open the families that you want to nest, and share them. Load and place a nested component within the host family. Repeat this process for each nested component. Save the family.

Creating a Nested Family with Interchangeable Components You can create families that feature interchangeable nested components when added to your projects. To control the type of family within a nested family, you create a family type parameter that can be either an instance or type parameter. After you label a nested component as a family type parameter, subsequently loaded families of the same type automatically become interchangeable without any further work. If you need the nested family components to tag and schedule individually, make sure each family that you load into the host family is shared.

Advanced Loadable Family Techniques

Architecture example If you add 2 transoms to a door family, you have to position only one of the transoms, label it as a family type parameter, and then the other transom becomes part of the list of available transoms. If you load 5 more transom types, they are all available for selection.

Door family with multiple nested transoms assigned to a family type parameter

MEP example If you add 2 sinks to a bathroom unit family, you have to position only one of the sinks, label it as a family type parameter, and then the other sink becomes part of the list of available sinks.

Bathroom family with multiple sinks assigned to a family type parameter 1. Open a family or start a new one.

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2. Load the components that you want to nest within the family. For example, if you are in a door family, load several transom types. 3. Click Create tab Model panel (Component), and select an element in the Type Selector. 4. Click in the drawing area to place the first component at its desired location. Note: In the door family example, you would also want to tie the width of the transoms to the width of the door. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may want to consider a similar action. This ensures that as components swap, they remain in the same position and the same size. 5. Select the nested component. 6. On the Options Bar, for Label, select Add Parameter. Note: When adding a parameter in the Family Types dialog, click Add Parameter, select Family Type as the Category, and select the category from the Select Category dialog. When you add the parameter using the Options Bar, the parameter is automatically assigned to Family Type and the respective family category is assigned. 7. In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, select Family Parameter. 8. Under Parameter Data, enter a name for the parameter, and select either Instance or Type parameter. 9. Select a value for Group parameter under. This designates under which heading the parameter displays in the Instance (or Type) Properties dialog. 10. Click OK. 11. Save the file and load it into a project. 12. Add the component to the building model, and select it. 13. Click Edit Type to display the Type Properties dialog, or view the instance properties on the Properties palette. 14. Locate the family type parameter, and select a different component from the list.

Associating Family Parameters By associating family parameters, you can control the parameters of families nested inside host families from within a project view. You can control instance parameters or type parameters. To associate parameters, they must be the same type. For example, associate a text parameter in the host family with a text parameter in the nested family. You can associate a host-family parameter with more than one nested family parameter of the same type. Also, you can associate this parameter with multiple nested families. To associate family parameters 1. Create a family with instance parameters or type parameters of the available types. 2. Save the family and load it into a host family.

Advanced Loadable Family Techniques

3. With the new family open, click Create tab Model panel (Component), and place as many instances of the loaded family as desired. 4. Click Modify tab Properties panel (Family Types). 5. In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 6. Follow the steps for creating a new parameter of the same type as the parameter you want to control in the nested family. 7. Click OK to close the Family Types dialog. 8. Select an instance of the loaded family in the host family. 9. To edit an instance property, use the Properties palette. To edit a type property, on the Properties palette, click Edit Type . For instance properties and type properties, the column on the right has an equal sign (=) in the column heading. Gray buttons next to certain parameters indicate that they can be associated with other parameters. 10. Click the button next to a parameter that is of the same type as the one you created in Step 6. For example, if you created a text parameter, you must select a text parameter here. 11. In the dialog that displays, select the parameter you created in Step 6 to associate it with the current parameter, and click OK. Note: When you associate 2 parameters, an equal sign appears on the button: 12. Click Apply in the Properties palette, or OK to close the Type Properties dialog. 13. Continue creating the host family, and save it. 14. Load the family into a project, and place a few instances of it. 15. Select an instance of the family. 16. Locate the type or instance property you created. To edit an instance property, use the Properties palette. To edit a type property, on the Properties palette, click Edit Type . 17. Specify the desired value, and click Apply in the Properties palette or OK in the Type Properties dialog. The nested family changes according to the value you entered.

Associating Parameters for Model Text If you place model text into a family, it acts like a nested family. You can create parameters in the host family to control the text, text size, and depth, and to toggle between bold and italic for the model text in the project. To control text To control depth 1. To place some model text in the host family, click Create tab Model panel (Model Text), and then type the text in the Edit Text dialog. 2. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types), and add a family parameter that is of type text. This will be the parameter that controls the text of the model text in the project.

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3. In the Family Types dialog, enter some text in the Value field for the new parameter. For example, if you created a parameter called Mtext, you might enter default. Note: Do not leave the Value field empty. If you do, Revit issues a warning. 4. Click OK. 5. Select an instance of model text in the family, and on the Properties palette, for Text, click . 6. In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select the parameter you created to associate with the model text parameter. 7. Click OK twice. 8. Continue creating the host family and save it. 9. Load that family into a project and place a few instances of it. 10. Select an instance of the family, and for an instance parameter, edit the model text parameter on the Properties palette; for a type parameter, click Edit Type to open the Type Properties dialog to edit the model text parameter. The model text updates to the new value. If you created an instance parameter, just the one instance changes. If you created a type parameter, all current and future instances of the model text change. Controlling model text depth is similar to controlling text, except that you create a family parameter that is of type length. Follow the above procedure to associate parameters for model text depth.

Loading Generic Annotations into Model Families You can nest generic annotation families inside host model families, so that the annotations appear in the project. This is useful if you want to include a label with a model family and display that label in the project. Generic annotations hosted by model families scale with the view when they are loaded into the project. When you place these generic annotations on a sheet, they display at the same size, regardless of view scale. For example, a 3/32'' text label in a model family always prints at that size on a sheet, even if that label appears on the sheet in a view with a 1/8" = 1'0" scale or a view with a 1/4'' = 1'0'' scale. You can also control the visibility of generic annotations in the project separately from the host model family.

Adding a Generic Annotation You can create a generic annotation family or load one from the available annotation families in the Revit library. This procedure uses an existing annotation family. Note: Though this procedure uses specific family files, the steps are common to any generic annotation you may want to add to a model family. 1. Click

Open

Family.

Advanced Loadable Family Techniques

2. Open the microwave.rfa family from the Specialty Equipment\Domestic folder in the Imperial library. Metric users: The microwave from the Metric library is in the same folder and is called M_microwave.rfa. Note: For international users with localized versions of the product, family names and paths may be different than those specified in this procedure. 3. Click Insert tab Load From Library panel (Load Family). 4. Navigate to the Annotations folder, select Label Annotation 3-32.rfa, and click Open. Metric users: Navigate to the Annotations folder, select M_Label Annotation.rfa, and click Open. 5. Open a floor plan view in the microwave.rfa file. You can place a generic annotation in plan only. 6. Click Annotate tab Detail panel (Symbol), and place an instance of the label at the intersection of the 2 reference planes in the center of the microwave.

Label snapping to intersection of reference planes Next you associate this label with a parameter in the host family. 7. Click Modify | Place Symbol tab Properties panel (Family Types). 8. In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 9. In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, select Family parameter. 10. Under Parameter Data, for Name, type Label. 11. For Type of Parameter, select Text. This parameter will be stored by type. 12. Click OK twice. 13. Select the label instance you placed on the microwave, and on the Properties palette, click Edit Type. 14. Locate the Label parameter. 15. In the row for the Label parameter, click the button under the equal sign (=) column. 16. In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select the parameter Label. This is the parameter you created in steps 8-12.

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17. Click OK twice. 18. If desired, you can set at which detail level the label appears in a project. Access the instance properties for the annotation. Next to the Visibility/Graphics Overrides instance parameter, click Edit, and then select coarse, medium, or fine. If you leave a particular detail level unselected, the label will not show in a project view set at that detail level. 19. Save the microwave.rfa family and load it into your project. 20. Open a plan view, and click Architecture tab Build panel (Component). 21. Select the microwave from the Type Selector, and place an instance in the project. 22. Select the microwave, and on the Properties palette, click Edit Type. 23. In the Type Properties dialog, for Label, enter MW. 24. Click OK. The microwave displays with the specified label in the view.

25. If desired, change the detail level of the view to change the visibility of the label. Note: You can also change the visibility of the label by turning off Generic Annotations on the Annotation Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics dialog.

Creating a Work Plane-based Family You can create a family that is hosted by the active work plane. This can be very useful both in a project environment and within a nested family where you may need a nested sub-component to reside on a particular plane. You can make any non-hosted family a work plane-based family. 1. Open or create a non-hosted family. Note: Only non-hosted components can become work plane-based families. Doors and windows, for instance, are hosted by walls and cannot become work planebased components. 2. In the Family Editor, click Create tab Properties panel (Family Category and Parameters). 3. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select Work Plane-Based. 4. Click OK. Note: You can make a family both work plane-based and always vertical. Examples of both are shown below. In the nested family below, the rectangular extrusion is a work plane-based component. On the left, the extrusion is work plane-based but not always vertical.

Advanced Loadable Family Techniques

On the right, the same extrusion was reloaded into the family after designating it work plane-based and always vertical.

Creating Vertical Families The option to create vertical families pertains only to families hosted by floors, ceilings, roofs, and site surfaces. You can specify a family component (such as a tree, an air conditioner, a chandelier, or a water heater) to Always Vertical. After it is loaded into a project, the component remains vertical regardless of the slope of the host. In the case of a car, a park bench, or a sprinkler, you can specify the Always Vertical option to No, which lets the element adapt to the slope of the host. Examples

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Example of Vertical and Non-Vertical Families; 3 trees are set to Always Vertical, 2 trees are not.

Example of vertical water heater To set the Always Vertical parameter for a family 1. In the Family Editor, click Create tab Properties panel (Family Category and Parameters). 2. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select Always Vertical. 3. Click OK.

Creating Specialized Families

Creating Specialized Families

Creating a 2D Line-Based Detail Component Family Detail components are pre-drawn line-based 2D elements that you can add to detail or drafting views. They are visible only in those views. They scale with the model, rather than the sheet. For example, in the following drafting view, the studs, insulation, and siding are detail components.

Revit allows you to create a 2D detail component based on a line. By selecting the start and end of the line, you can place the detail. Suppose you want to place a plywood fill pattern in a section. By selecting the start and end points of the detail component, you can place the detail with the thickness and fill pattern that was created in the 2D detail component. For example, if the plywood is drawn at 1/2” in the 2D detail component, this procedure would place a piece of plywood along the length of the drawn line at 1/2”. If you wanted to adjust the thickness of the plywood, you would first have to edit the 2D detail component. Before reading this topic, familiarize yourself with families. See Creating Loadable Families. The following is the general procedure for creating a 2D line-based detail component family. Your steps may differ depending on your design intent. 1. Create a new family using the Detail Component line-based template.

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2. Use tools on the Create tab to create the shape of the detail component. A detail component is displayed in a symbolic form and is not shown in 3D. Click the Line tool to sketch the symbol. Create the component between the 2 reference planes to have elements contract or expand based on the length. Tip: You can change the sorting order of objects in the family by using the detail component draw order tools. For more information, see Sorting the Draw Order of Detail Components. 3. For lines, select the line and click Modify | Lines tab Mode panel (Visibility Settings), and select the views in which the object will be visible. For filled regions, select the filled region and click Modify | Detail Items tab Mode panel (Visibility Settings), and select the views in which the object will be visible. 4. Save the detail component.

Creating an Annotation Symbol Family An annotation symbol is a tag or symbol applied to a family to uniquely identify that family in a project. The tag can also include properties that appear on schedules. See Creating a Schedule or Quantity. You create annotation symbols by selecting the family category with which you want to associate the symbol, sketching the symbol, and applying values to its properties. Some annotation families are for tag purposes. Others are generic annotations used for varying purposes. This is a general procedure for creating an annotation symbol. Your steps may differ based on design intent. Specify sample text 1. Click New (Annotation Symbol). 2. In the New Annotation Symbol dialog, select the Annotation Symbol template for the project, and click Open. The templates are all very similar. Some may already have predefined properties and values. Revit opens the Family Editor. 3. Click Create tab

Properties panel

(Family Category and Parameters).

See Family Category and Parameters. 4. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, select a category, such as Generic Annotations. 5. Specify the Family Parameters, and click OK. Note: Parameter options vary depending on family category. 6. Click Create tab Text panel (Label). 7. In the Type Selector, select the label type. 8. On the Format panel, select the vertical and horizontal justification.

Creating Specialized Families

9. In the drawing area, click to position the label. For example, in a generic model tag template, place the cursor at the intersection of the 2 reference planes. 10. In the Edit Label dialog, under Category Parameters, select the parameter you want in the label, and click you can add a new parameter.

(Add parameter(s) to label). If necessary,

If you select a numerical or dimension value, you can specify the formatting of the value. 11. Click OK. 12. To modify the placement of the label, click Modify, select the label, and then drag it to the new location. 13. Select the label, and click Modify | Label tab Label panel (Edit Label). 14. In the Edit Label dialog, edit the Sample Value for the Description parameter, and click OK. 15. Sketch the shape of the tag symbol, such as a circle. Click Create tab Detail panel (Line), and then select a Draw tool. 16. Save the annotation. Note: Generic annotations have multiple leader options when loaded into a project.

Creating a Callout Head Family The callout head is the symbol that displays to identify a callout bubble in a parent view. You can create a callout head family to specify a desired format or to include specific information.

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Callout tags that use different callout heads To create a callout head family 1. Click New Annotation Symbol. 2. In the Open dialog, select Callout Head.rft or M_Callout Head.rft. 3. Click Create tab Detail panel (Line), and sketch the shape of the callout head. See Sketching Elements. 4. If desired, click

(Text) to add text to the callout head.

This text remains constant for each callout that uses this family. 5. Add labels to the callout head. A label represents a variable field value that displays in the callout head. For example, the default callout head includes a detail number and sheet number. When you place the callout view on a sheet, the callout head in the parent view updates to show the detail number and the sheet number for the callout. To add a label to the callout head, do the following: a. Click Create tab Text panel (Label). b. Move the cursor to the drawing area, and click where you want the information to display in the callout head. c. In the Edit Label dialog, under Category Parameters, select the field to place in the callout head. d. Click (Add parameters to label). e. Click OK.

Creating Specialized Families

6. If desired, add filled regions, masking regions, or other details to the callout head. 7. On the Quick Access toolbar, click (Save), and specify a name and location for the new callout head family. 8. To load the callout head family into open projects, click (Load into Project).

Creating a Curtain Wall Profile You can nest a detail component within a host sweep profile family (wall sweeps, roof fascia, gutters, and slab edges) and use the visibility controls to specify when the detail component displays within a project. When the sweep is cut in the project, the detail component displays depending on the visibility settings you specified within the host sweep family file. You can also have multiple detail components display at particular visibility levels for a specific view cut host sweep.

Example of curtain mullion with nested detail component Tip: You can also import a detail, such as a DWG file, and apply the same visibility controls to it. See also Nesting and Sharing Component Families. To load a detail component To add the detail component to the host sweep To specify detail component visibility 1. Open or create a host sweep family. 2. Click Create tab Detail panel (Detail Component). 3. Click Yes to load a detail component family.

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4. In the Load Family dialog, select a detail component family, and click Open. 5. Click in the drawing area to add the detail component to the host sweep family. 6. If necessary, use alignments or dimensions to constrain the location of the detail component. 7. Select the nested detail component. 8. Click Modify | Detail Items tab Visibility panel (Visibility Settings). 9. In the Family element visibility settings dialog, specify the detail level (Coarse, Medium, and/or Fine), and click OK. After it is loaded in a project, the host sweep detail displays when cut and at the detail level you specified.

Creating a Detail Component Family A detail component family consists of components added to detail or drafting views, and they are visible only in those views. They scale with the model, rather than the sheet. Detail components could include a 2X4, a metal stud, or a shim. Before reading this topic, familiarize yourself with families. See Creating Loadable Families. The following procedure is a general procedure for creating a detail component family. Your steps may differ depending on your design intent. 1. In the Family Editor, sketch reference planes for placing the detail component. 2. Use tools on the Create tab to create the shape of the detail component. A detail component is displayed in a symbolic form and is not shown in 3D. Click the Line tool to sketch the symbol. Tip: You can change the sorting order of objects in the family by using the detail component draw order tools. For more information, see Sorting the Draw Order of Detail Components. 3. For lines, select the line and click Modify | Lines tab Mode panel (Visibility Settings), and select the views in which the object will be visible. For filled regions, select the filled region and click Modify | Detail Items tab Mode panel (Visibility Settings), and select the views in which the object will be visible. 4. Save the detail component.

Creating a Division Profile Family Use this procedure to create a division profile family that you can apply to part edges when dividing a part or editing an existing part division. 1. Click New Family. 2. In the New Family - Select Template File dialog, navigate up 2 levels to the Data directory.

Creating Specialized Families

3. Double-click Imperial, double-click Family Templates, select Division Profile.rft, and click Open. A plan view opens that includes 2 reference planes. There are no other views available in which to sketch geometry. 4. Click Create tab Detail panel Line, and sketch the desired profile. 5. To specify the detail at which the profile family displays in the project, select any of the lines of the profile sketch, and click Modify Lines tab Visibility panel Visibility Settings. 6. Select the desired detail levels (Fine, Medium, or Coarse), and click OK. 7. On the properties palette, ensure that the value for the Profile Usage parameter is . 8. Save the family.

Creating an Entourage Family You can create an entourage family that does not use RPC content for render appearances. For example, if you have already used AutoCAD or other design software to create a render appearance for the object, use the following procedure. Note: To create a Revit family for entourage that uses RPC content for render appearances, see Creating an RPC Family. To create an entourage family 1. Click New Family. 2. In the New Family – Select Template File dialog, select Entourage.rft or Metric Entourage.rft, and click Open. 3. In the drawing area, sketch the geometry to represent the entourage in 2D and 3D views, or import a CAD file that contains the geometry. See Family Editor or Importing or Linking CAD Formats. 4. Specify visibility settings for the entourage placeholder. To specify visibility settings a. In the drawing area, select the placeholder. b. Click Modify | tab Mode panel (Visibility Settings). c. In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, select the desired settings. See Setting Family Geometry Visibility. d. Click OK. 5. Create family types, and specify their parameters. See Creating Family Types. 6. Specify a render appearance. By default, for an entourage family, Revit uses the family geometry (that you imported or sketched in the drawing area) to represent the object in a rendered image. If desired, you can specify an RPC file to define its geometry, instead.

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To specify an RPC file a. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Category and Parameters). b. Under Family Parameters, for Render Appearance Source, select Third Party. Note: If you want to use the geometry that you create or import for a render appearance, for Rendering Appearance Source, select Family Geometry. c. Click OK. d. Specify the render appearance. See Specifying a Render Appearance for an RPC Family. 7. Save the family. 8. Load the family into a project.

Creating and Modifying Lighting Fixtures In Revit, lighting fixtures are model elements that are defined by families. Revit provides several lighting fixture families, which you can use in projects or as the basis for custom lighting fixtures. To create or modify a lighting fixture family, use the Family Editor.

Creating a Lighting Fixture with One Light Source 1. Click New Family. 2. In the New Family - Select Template File dialog, select a light fixture template. The names of all lighting fixture templates include the words Lighting Fixture. Be sure to select the appropriate template for the type of lighting fixture that you want to create. For example, to create a ceiling-based fixture for metric projects, use Metric Lighting Fixture ceiling based.rft. Revit opens the Family Editor. The template defines reference planes and a light source. For ceiling-based and wall-based fixtures, the template includes a ceiling or wall to host the fixture. 3. Define the geometry of the light source for the lighting fixture. 4. Sketch solid geometry for the lighting fixture. Tip: If you want the surface of the light bulb to display in a rendered image, create geometry for it. Then apply a material to it, and, for its render appearance, select Light Bulb - On from the Render Appearance Library. This render appearance models the surface of a light bulb that is turned on. It is white, shiny, and emits the appropriate amount of light. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Click Create tab Properties panel Family Types. In the Family Types dialog, specify values for the parameters. Click OK. Click Load into Project to load the light fixture into the current project, or save the fixture and exit the Family Editor.

Creating Specialized Families

Creating Lighting Fixtures with Multiple Light Sources To create a lighting fixture that uses multiple light sources (such as a chandelier or a set of track lights), create a nested family. The host family represents the hardware that supports the light sources (for example, the hardware for a chandelier, or the track for a set of track lights). Then you create another lighting fixture family that defines the light source (for example, the candles in a chandelier, or the can lights for a set of track lights). This family is nested into the host family. For more information about nested families, see Creating a Family with Nested and Shared Components.

A nested chandelier family

A nested track light family The nested family (that defines the light sources) can be shared or not shared, depending on whether you want to be able to schedule the light sources and control their photometric parameters individually. See Sharing a Lighting Fixture Family.

Sharing a Lighting Fixture Family The nested family that defines the light sources in a chandelier or set of track lights can be shared or not shared. Sharing the nested family affects how the lighting fixture is scheduled, and how parameters for the family can be changed, as follows. (For information, see Creating a Family with Nested and Shared Components.) Nested family is... Impact on scheduling

Impact on changing family parameters

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Nested family is... Impact on scheduling

Impact on changing family parameters

Shared

Individual light sources can be listed separately in a lighting fixture schedule. For example, for a set of track lights, can lights can be listed individually, grouped, or totalled.

If needed, each light source in the fixture can have different settings. For example, you can change the initial intensity of each can light in a set of track lights.

Not shared

In a lighting fixture schedule, the entire fixture (and its light sources) are listed as one item. For example, for a chandelier, the individual candles cannot be listed individually, grouped, or totalled.

You can change settings for the entire lighting fixture as a whole, but you cannot change settings for individual light sources. For example, you can change the initial intensity for the entire chandelier, but not for its individual candles.

To share a lighting fixture family 1. 2. 3. 4.

Open the lighting fixture family in the Family Editor. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. Under Family Parameters, select Shared. Click OK.

To make a lighting fixture family not shared 1. 2. 3. 4.

Open the lighting fixture family in the Family Editor. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. Under Family Parameters, clear Shared. Click OK.

Creating Track Lights The following procedure describes a general method for creating a set of track lights. You can also use this procedure to create a lighting fixture family that has multiple light sources that you want to schedule individually or to control lighting parameters individually. The specific steps required will vary, depending on your needs and design intent.

Creating Specialized Families

To create a set of track lights 1. Create a lighting fixture family to represent the light source. For example, create a family that describes a can light in a set of track lights. Create the geometry for the can fixture, and define its light source. See Creating a Lighting Fixture with One Light Source. In the following steps, this family is referred to as the light source family.

2. For the light source family, turn on the Light Source and Shared parameters. How? a. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. b. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select Light Source. Turning on the light source allows you to specify photometric parameters for it. c. Select Shared. Sharing the light source family ensures that a lighting fixture schedule can display information for individual lights, and that you can adjust lighting parameters for individual lights.

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d. Click OK. e. Save the light source family. 3. Create the host lighting fixture family. How? a. Create the geometry for the lighting fixture. For example, for a set of track lights, create the track on which the can lights will be mounted. See Creating a Lighting Fixture with One Light Source.

b. Create reference planes that can be used to position the light sources and lock them to the lighting fixture (the track).

4. For the host lighting fixture family, turn off the Light Source and Shared parameters. How? a. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. b. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, clear Light Source. When you turn off the light source for the host lighting fixture family, photometric parameters are not available for it. Instead, you define the photometric parameters in the light source family (for example, for the can lights). c. Clear Shared. d. Click OK. e. Save the lighting fixture family.

Creating Specialized Families

5. Load the light source family (the can lights) into the host lighting fixture family (the track). See Modifying Families in a Project (or Nested Family). 6. Place one or more instances of the light source family into the host lighting fixture family. How? a. b. c. d.

If needed, open the host lighting fixture family in the Family Editor. Click Create tab Model panel (Component). Select the light source family from the Properties Palette. Click in the drawing area to place instances of the light source (the can light) in the lighting fixture (the track).

Use the reference planes to position the light sources correctly. e. Lock the light sources to the reference planes.

7. Save changes to the host lighting fixture family. Now you can place instances of the lighting fixture (the track light set containing multiple can lights) in the building model. See Using Lighting Fixtures in a Building Model.

Creating a Chandelier The following procedure describes a general method for creating a chandelier. You can also use this procedure to create a lighting fixture family that has multiple light sources, and for which you do not want to schedule the light sources or control their lighting parameters individually. The specific steps required will vary, depending on your needs and design intent.

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To create a chandelier 1. Create the host chandelier family. How? a. Create the geometry (hardware) for the chandelier. See Creating a Lighting Fixture with One Light Source.

b. Create reference planes that can be used to position the candles in place and lock them to the chandelier.

Creating Specialized Families

2. For the host chandelier family, define parameters. How? a. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. b. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select Light Source. c. Clear Shared. d. Click OK. 3. In the host chandelier family, create one candle (light source). How? a. Create geometry for the candle. b. Put the candle in the desired position on the chandelier, and lock it in place. c. Define the geometry of the light source. d. Define its parameters. e. In the drawing area, move the light source symbol to align it with the candle as appropriate, and lock it in place. 4. Create a lighting fixture family to represent a candle of the chandelier. Note: You will nest this family into the host chandelier family, and place multiple instances of this family (that is, multiple candles) in the chandelier. So this family should represent a single light source or candle. How? a. In this family, create the geometry of the candle. If desired, you can copy and paste the candle geometry that you created in the host chandelier family. Note: In the sample chandelier shown previously, the candle does not have any geometry. Instead, it defines the light source only. b. Define family parameters: Click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. Under Family Parameters, select Light Source, clear Shared, and click OK. c. Define the geometry of the light source.

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Geometry of the light source for the chandelier candle d. Define parameters for the light source. e. Save the light source family. In the following steps, this family is referred to as the candle family. 5. Load the candle family into the host chandelier family. See Modifying Families in a Project (or Nested Family). 6. Place one or more instances of the candle family into the host chandelier family. How? a. b. c. d.

Open the host chandelier family in the Family Editor. Click Create tab Model panel (Component). Select the light source family from the Properties Palette. Click in the drawing area to place instances of the light source (candles) in the chandelier.

Use the reference planes to position the candles correctly. e. Lock the candles to the reference planes.

7. Link the Initial Intensity parameter of the candle family to the Initial Intensity parameter of the host chandelier family. When you link these parameters and add a chandelier to a building model, in the project you can adjust the Initial Intensity parameter (or other linked parameters) for the chandelier as a whole. You cannot change the Initial Intensity of individual candles in a chandelier. How?

Creating Specialized Families

a. In the host chandelier family, select one of the candles from the candle family. b. Click Modify | tab Properties panel (Type Properties). The Type Properties dialog displays a column with an equal sign in the column heading . A gray button displays in this column for each type parameter that you can link to other parameters. c. Click the gray button in the column for the Initial Intensity parameter (or any other parameter that you want to be able to change for the chandelier in a project).

d. In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select Initial Intensity (or the parameter that corresponds to the type parameter that you selected), and click OK. 8. Save changes to the host chandelier family.

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Now you can place instances of the chandelier family in the building model. See Using Lighting Fixtures in a Building Model.

Specifying an IES File for a Light Source An IES file is a text file that describes the intensity of a light source at points on a spherical grid. It provides more photorealistic lighting effects in rendered images than other types of light distribution. See Photometrics and IES Files. Specifying an IES file for a light source is a 2-step process. First, in the light source definition, you must specify Photometric Web for its light distribution. (To perform this step, you edit the lighting fixture family.) Second, you must specify the particular IES file to use. (You can perform this step when editing the lighting fixture family, or when modifying type parameters for particular lighting fixture in a project.) To specify an IES file for a light source 1. Obtain the desired IES file. You can obtain an IES file directly from the manufacturer, or use an IES file provided by Revit. The Revit IES files reside in the following location: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Autodesk\\IES 2. Specify Photometric Web light distribution. How? a. Open the lighting fixture family in the Family Editor. b. In the drawing area, select the light source. c. Click Modify | Light Source tab Lighting panel (Light Source Definition). d. In the Light Source Definition dialog, for Emit from Shape, select the desired shape. e. For Light distribution, select (Photometric Web). f. Click OK. g. Save changes to the lighting fixture family. 3. Specify the IES file to use. How? a. If you want the IES file to define light distribution for the entire lighting fixture family, keep the lighting fixture family open in the Family Editor. Click Properties panel (Family Types). For Name, select the family type to modify. b. If you want the IES file to define light distribution for selected instances of the lighting fixture family, open a project that uses it, and select a lighting fixture in the project. Click Modify | Lighting Fixtures tab Properties panel (Type Properties). Click Duplicate, specify a name for the new family type, and click OK. c. In the list of parameters, scroll down to Photometrics. d. For Photometric Web File, click in the Value column. e. Click (Browse).

Creating Specialized Families

Note: The Browse button displays after you click in the field. f. Navigate to the desired IES file, select it, and click Open. g. Click OK. h. Save changes to the project or the lighting fixture family. In the drawing area, the shape of the light source reflects the specified IES file. (To see the light source in a project view, you must make light sources visible. See Displaying Light Sources in a View.)

Modifying a Lighting Fixture Family Use the Family Editor to modify a lighting fixture family to change the design of the fixture or to define its light source. To modify a lighting fixture family 1. Open a lighting fixture family for editing, using one of the following methods:  Open a project that contains instances of the lighting fixture. In the Project Browser, expand Families Lighting Fixtures. Right-click the name of the lighting fixture family to modify, and click Edit. 

Click Open Family. Navigate to the location of the lighting fixture family (RFA) file. Select the file, and click Open.

The Family Editor opens, displaying the lighting fixture family in the drawing area. 2. Modify the lighting fixture family as desired.  To change the hardware of the lighting fixture, edit its geometry. See Family Editor. 



To change the light source definition, select the light source in the drawing area. Click Modify | Light Source tab Lighting panel (Light Source Definition). Select the desired Emit from Shape and Light distribution values, and click OK. To change parameters for the lighting fixture (including photometrics), click Properties panel (Family Types). For Name, select the family type to modify. Change the parameters, and click OK.

3. To save changes to the lighting fixture, click 4. Load the lighting fixture into a project. See Loading Families.

Save.

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Defining a Light Source The light source is the part of a lighting fixture that emits light. To ensure that a lighting fixture emits light and to define the type of light, use the following procedure. The following procedure assumes that the lighting fixture family is open for editing in the Family Editor. To define a light source 1. For the lighting fixture family, turn on the Light Source parameter, as follows. (This parameter is usually turned on by default.) a. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Category and Parameters). b. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select Light Source. c. Click OK. 2. Define the geometry of the light source (that is, the shape of the light that emits from the fixture). 3. Define parameters for the light source.

Defining the Geometry of a Light Source The geometry of a light source determines the shape of the light that emits from the lighting fixture. For example, the following image shows 2 different geometries for light sources.

Note: The Family Editor is the only place where you can define the geometry of a light source in a lighting fixture family. You cannot change the geometry of a light source for a lighting fixture in the context of a project. To define the geometry of a light source 1. Create a lighting fixture family, or open a lighting fixture family for editing. 2. In the drawing area, select the light source. In the Family Editor, the light source is generally represented by a yellow outline or shape.

Creating Specialized Families

Note: If the light source does not display in the Family Editor, the light source is not turned on. To turn it on, click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters, select Light Source, and click OK. 3. Click Modify | Light Source tab Definition).

Lighting panel

(Light Source

As an alternative, on the Properties palette, for Light Source Definition, click Edit. The Light Source Definition dialog displays.

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4. For Emit from Shape, select the shape of the light to emit from the light source: Point, Line, Rectangle, or Circle. 5. For Light distribution, select the pattern of light distribution for the light source: Spherical, HemiSpherical, Spot, or Photometric Web. Tip: If you plan to specify an IES file to define the photometric shape of the light source, select Photometric Web. The middle image changes to illustrate the combined settings. These settings determine the parameters that are available for the light source. 6. Click OK. The outline shape for the light source may change in the drawing area, depending on the selected light source definition settings. 7. Save changes to the lighting fixture family.

Defining Parameters for Lighting Fixtures and Light Sources The parameters that you can define for a lighting fixture and its light source vary, depending on the light source definition settings that you specify. (See Defining the Geometry of a Light Source.) Note: In addition to defining these parameters for a lighting fixture family in the Family Editor, you can also change many of them for an instance or type of lighting fixture in a project. See Changing a Lighting Fixture in a Building Model. To define parameters for a lighting fixture and its light source 1. Create a lighting fixture family, or open a lighting fixture family for editing.

Creating Specialized Families

2. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types). 3. In the Family Types dialog, for Name, select the family type to modify. You can define different parameter values for different family types. See Creating Family Types. 4. Define parameters as desired. 5. Click Apply. 6. (Optional) Repeat this process for other family types defined for the lighting fixture family: For Name, select another family type. Define its parameters. Click Apply. 7. Click OK. 8. Save changes to the lighting fixture family.

Parameters for Lighting Fixtures and Light Sources You can change parameters for lighting fixtures and their light sources when defining a lighting fixture in the Family Editor, or when modifying a lighting fixture in a building model. Parameter

Description

Electrical - Lighting Calculate Coefficient of A value used by Revit MEP to indicate that the Coefficient Utilization (default) of Utilization will be calculated for the lighting fixture by default. In a project, you can change this default behavior by changing instance properties. Coefficient of Utilization (default)

A value used by Revit MEP to define the efficiency of a lighting fixture in transferring luminous energy to the work plane in a particular area. This value shows the percentage of lumens that reach the work plane after light is lost due to the fixture’s efficiency at transmitting light, the room proportions, and the ability of room surfaces to reflect light. If you select Calculate Coefficient of Utilization (default), this parameter is read-only. If you clear Calculate Coefficient of Utilization (default), you can enter a value between 0 and 1, or enter a formula. In a family, this parameter defines the default value for the lighting fixture. In a project, you can change the default in instance properties.

Electrical - Loads Apparent Load

A value used by Revit MEP to define the real and reactive power used by a fixture. To determine Apparent Load, multiply the apparent current by the voltage. This parameter is measured in volt amps (VA).

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Parameter

Description

Dimensions: These parameters do not affect rendered images. Light Source Symbol Size

The size of the symbol that represents the light source in 2D and 3D views, extending from the boundary of the Emit from Shape outwards. For example, suppose you define a light source with an Emit from Shape of circle and an Emit from Circle Diameter of 500 mm. If you specify a Light Source Symbol Size of 200 mm, in a 2D view, Revit shows a light source symbol that is 900 mm in diameter (200+500+200). This parameter is available when the Emit from Shape setting is Circle or Rectangle. (See Defining the Geometry of a Light Source.) This parameter does not affect the light in a rendered image.

Light Source Symbol Length

The length of the symbol that represents a spotlight in 2D and 3D views, extending from the spotlight outwards. This parameter is available when the Light distribution setting is Spot. This parameter does not affect the light in a rendered image.

Spotlights with different light source symbol lengths (plan view) Identity Data Keynote

Keynote for the lighting fixture. Enter text or click select a standard keynote.

Model

Model number or code assigned to the lighting fixture by the manufacturer or vendor.

Manufacturer

Name of the manufacturer of the lighting fixture.

to

Creating Specialized Families

Parameter

Description

Type Comments

User-defined comments or other information about this family type for the lighting fixture family.

URL

URL of the Web site for the manufacturer or vendor.

Description

Description of the lighting fixture.

Assembly Code

Uniformat assembly code for the lighting fixture.

Cost

Cost of the lighting fixture.

Electrical: These parameters do not affect rendered images. Ballast Voltage

Voltage required to operate the ballast. A ballast is an electrical device that provides the starting voltage and limits the current to sustain lamp operation. (This information is used by Revit MEP.)

Ballast Number of Poles

The number of leads in the circuit. Enter 1, 2, or 3. (This information is used by Revit MEP.)

Lamp

Number and type of light bulbs used in the lighting fixture. (This information can be useful in schedules.)

Wattage Comments

User-defined information about wattage requirements for the lighting fixture.

Photometrics: The following parameters affect rendered images. You may be able to obtain parameter values from the manufacturer of the light source. Check the manufacturer’s website. Photometric Web File

The IES file that defines the light emitted from the light source. This parameter is available when the Light distribution setting is Photometric Web. To specify a file, click in the Value column, and click Navigate to the IES file, and click Open.

.

Note: Revit does not maintain a link to the IES file. If you change or update the IES file on disk, you must also update this parameter by navigating to the new version of the file. Spot Tilt Angle

The angle to tilt the light source to direct its light. Enter a value between 0 and 160. This parameter is available when the Light distribution setting is Spot or Photometric Web.

Spot Field Angle

The angle at which the light intensity reaches 10% of the peak intensity. Enter a value between 0 and 160. This

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Parameter

Description parameter is available when the Light distribution setting is Spot.

Spot Beam Angle

The angle at which the light intensity reaches 50% of the peak intensity. This parameter is available when the Light distribution setting is Spot.

Light Loss Factor

A value used to calculate the amount of light lost (or gained) due to environmental factors, such as dust and ambient temperature. Click in the Value field to display the Light Loss Factor dialog.

Initial Intensity

Brightness of the light before environmental factors reduce or change the quality of the light. Click in the Value field to display the Initial Intensity dialog.

Initial Color

The color of the light source before it is affected by color filters and environmental factors. Click in the Value field to display the Initial Color dialog.

Emit from Circle Diameter

The diameter of the light source that emits light in a rendered image. This parameter is available when the Emit from Shape setting is Circle.

Emit from Rectangle Width

The width of the rectangle that represents the light source in a rendered image. This parameter is available when the Emit from Shape setting is Rectangle.

Emit from Rectangle Length

The length of the rectangle that represents the light source in a rendered image. This parameter is available when the Emit from Shape setting is Rectangle.

Emit from Line Length

The length of the line that represents the light source in a rendered image. This parameter is available when the Emit from Shape setting is Line.

Emit Shape Visible in Rendering

Select this option to make the shape of the light visible as a self-luminous surface (glow) when the camera (of the 3D view) is aimed directly at the light source. This parameter is available when the Emit from Shape setting is Rectangle or Circle. In addition to setting this parameter, when defining render settings, you must select the Soft Shadows option on the Render Quality Settings dialog. See Defining a Custom Render Quality and Render Quality Settings. Tip: If the Emit from Shape setting is Point or Line, the light source does not display a self-luminous surface in rendered images. To see the light source in rendered

Creating Specialized Families

Parameter

Description images, use a thin rectangle shape or a small circle shape instead.

Dimming Lamp Color Temperature Shift

Specify whether the color and intensity of a dimmed light source change based on predefined curves. For example, incandescent lights typically become more yellow when dimmed. Select Incandescent Lamp Curve or none. To see the effect of this parameter, you must dim lights in the building model. See Dimming Lights.

Color Filter

Color used to change the light emitted from the light source. Click in the Value column. In the Color dialog, select the desired color, and click OK.

Defining the Light Loss Factor The light loss factor is a value used to calculate the amount of light lost due to environmental factors, such as dust and ambient temperature. You can define the light loss factor for a lighting fixture family file (as follows). In a project, you can change the light loss factor of an individual lighting fixture. (See Changing the Light Loss Factor for a Light Source.) To define the light loss factor 1. 2. 3. 4.

Open the lighting fixture family. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types). For Name, select the family type to modify. Scroll down the list to locate the Light Loss Factor parameter, and click in its Value column.

The Light Loss Factor dialog displays. 5. Specify the calculation method for Light Loss Factor: Simple calculation 

Specify as follows: a. For Method, select Simple. b. For Total Light Loss Factor, move the slider to adjust the value between Dimmer and Brighter. c. Click OK.

Advanced calculation 

Specify as follows: a. For Method, select Advanced. b. Under Value, adjust the sliders for each parameter, or enter a value in the text box.

See Light Loss Factor Parameters. c. Click OK. The Family Types dialog displays the new Light Loss Factor value.

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6. Click OK. 7. Save changes to the lighting fixture family.

Light Loss Factor Parameters When you turn on a lighting fixture, light travels through the light source (lamp or ballast) and the lighting fixture (such as a lamp shade or lensed troffer), until it reaches the work plane where it is needed. Along the way, the amount of transmitted light is reduced, obscured by the light source, the lighting fixture, and other environmental factors. The Light Loss Factor measures the reduction of light as it travels from the light source. When defining the Light Loss Factor for a light, define the parameters as follows. Check with the lamp manufacturer for the appropriate Light Loss Factor values for a particular type of lamp. Parameter

Description

Temperature Loss/Gain Factor For fluorescent light sources, a measure of the amount of light lost or gained due to deviations above or below the ideal operating temperature. Valid values are between 0 and 2. A value of 1.0 indicates that no light is lost or gained due to temperature changes. Values greater than 1.0 indicate an increase in light. Values less than 1.0 indicate a loss of light. Voltage Loss/Gain Factor

A measure of the amount of light lost or gained due to fluctuations in voltage delivered to the light source. Valid values are between 0 and 2. A value of 1.0 indicates that no light is lost or gained due to voltage changes. Values greater than 1.0 indicate an increase in light. Values less than 1.0 indicate a loss of light.

Ballast Loss Factor

Lamps and ballasts experience losses when operating together as a system. The Ballast Loss Factor is the percentage of a lamp’s initial rated lumens that is produced by a given ballast. Valid values are between 0 and 1. For example, a value of 0.95 indicates that the ballast produces 95% of its initial lumens and loses 5%.

Lamp Tilt Loss Factor

For metal halide lamps, a measure of the amount of light lost due to the position of the lamp. A decrease in light occurs when the angle of the lamp shifts the cold spot of the bulb. Values less than 1.0 indicate a loss of light.

Surface Depreciation Factor

A measure of the amount of light lost due to deterioration of the surfaces of the lighting fixture as it ages. For example, blemishes and discolored

Creating Specialized Families

Parameter

Description shielding materials change the amount of light emitted. Values less than 1.0 indicate a loss of light.

Lamp Lumen Depreciation

As a lamp ages, it produces decreasing amounts of light on a predictable curve. A typical strategy is to use an average Lamp Lumen Depreciation (LLD) value at 40% of its life. Valid values are between 0 and 1. For example, a compact fluorescent has an LLD factor of 0.85, indicating an average output at 85% of its initial lumens, losing an average of 15% over its life as the lamp ages.

Luminaire Dirt Depreciation

A measure of the amount of light lost due to environmental dirt and dust that is trapped by the lighting fixture. Valid values are between 0 and 1. For example, a value of 0.9 indicates that the fixture produces 90% of its initial lumens and loses 10% due to trapped dust and dirt.

Total Light Loss Factor

A measure of the amount of light produced by a lamp, taking into account various environmental factors that obscure or reduce the emitted light. When the Method is Simple, use the slider or text box to specify a value. When the Method is Advanced, this parameter displays a read-only value, which is calculated by multiplying the values of the other parameters. Valid values are between 0 (total light loss) and 4 (light gain up to 400%). A value of 1 indicates no light loss (100% of initial light intensity).

Defining the Initial Intensity When defining a lighting fixture, you can specify the initial intensity of its light source. The initial intensity is a measure of how much light is produced by the light source in ideal conditions. (The actual light emitted by a light source may be reduced by light loss factors. See Light Loss Factor Parameters.) You can define the initial intensity of a light source in a lighting fixture family file (as follows). In a project, you can change the initial intensity of an individual lighting fixture. (See Changing the Initial Intensity of a Light Source.) To define the initial intensity of a lighting fixture family 1. 2. 3. 4.

Open the lighting fixture family. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types). For Name, select the family type to modify. Scroll down the list to locate the Initial Intensity parameter, and click in its Value column.

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5. In the Initial Intensity dialog, specify values for the parameters. See Initial Intensity Parameters. 6. Click OK. The Family Types dialog displays the new Initial Intensity value. 7. Click OK. 8. Save changes to the lighting fixture family.

Initial Intensity Parameters When defining the Initial Intensity of a light source, define the parameters as follows. Parameter

Description

Wattage

A measurement of the electrical power consumed by a light source. Tip: When adjusting Wattage, it is also important to consider Efficacy. If you change Wattage alone, you may make the light source unintentionally bright. Luminosity is defined as Wattage (W) times Efficacy (W/lm). Luminous Efficacy for a 100 W tungsten incandescent (110 V) is 175, while a 32 W fluorescent tube (T8) is 60.

Efficacy

The amount of light (luminous flux, measured in lumens) produced by a light source as a ratio of the amount of energy consumed to produce it (measured in watts).

Luminous Flux

The quantity of light energy per unit of time arriving, leaving, or going through a surface. The lumen (lm) is the unit of luminous flux in both the International System (SI) of units and in the American System (AS) of units. If you think of light as particles (photons) moving through space, then the luminous flux of a light beam arriving at a surface is proportional to the number of particles hitting the surface during a time interval of 1 second. Tip: In general, Luminous Flux provides more accurate lighting in rendered images than Wattage and Efficacy.

Luminous Intensity

The light energy per unit of time emitted by a point source in a particular direction. Luminous intensity is used to describe the directional distribution of a light source, that is, to specify how the luminous intensity of a light source varies as a function of the outgoing direction. The Candela (cd) is the unit of luminous intensity.

Illuminance

The luminous flux incident on a surface of unit area. Illuminance measures how much energy has fallen on a surface. This quantity is useful for describing the level of illumination incident on a surface without making the

Creating Specialized Families

Parameter

Description measurement dependent on the size of the surface itself. The lux (lx) is the International System (SI) unit of illuminance. The American System (AS) unit for illuminance is the footcandle (fc), equivalent to 1 lumen per square foot.

At a distance of

Illuminance is a function of the distance from the light source. Specify the distance at which the illuminance is measured.

Defining the Initial Color When defining a lighting fixture, you can specify the initial color of its light source. The initial color is the color appearance of the emitted light, before it is affected by color filters or environmental factors. To define the initial color of a light source 1. 2. 3. 4.

Open the lighting fixture family. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types). For Name, select the family type to modify. Scroll down the list to locate the Initial Color parameter, and click in its Value column. 5. In the Initial Color dialog, specify values for the parameters. See Initial Color Parameters. 6. Click OK. The Family Types dialog displays the new Initial Color value. 7. Click OK. 8. Save changes to the lighting fixture family.

Initial Color Parameters When defining the Initial Color for the light source of a lighting fixture, define the parameters as follows. Parameter

Description

Color Preset

Select a value from the list, or select Custom to specify a Color Temperature.

Color Temperature

The color appearance of the light produced by the light source, expressed on the Kelvin scale (K).

Creating a Profile Family A profile family contains a 2-dimensional shape (usually a closed loop) that you can load into a project and apply to certain building elements. For example, you can

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sketch the profile loop for a railing and then use that shape on a railing in your project. Loaded profiles display in the Project Browser under Families. To create a profile family, open a new family, and sketch a profile using lines, dimensions, and reference planes. After you save the profile family, you can load it and apply it to solid geometry in the project. This procedure describes creating a generic profile shape that is available to multiple building elements in the project. Your specific building and design intentions may differ. To create a profile 1. Click New Family. 2. In the New Family - Select Template File dialog, select a profile template, and click Open. The Family Editor opens a plan view that includes 2 reference planes. There are no other views available in which to sketch lines. 3. If necessary, sketch reference planes for constraining the lines in the profile. 4. Click Create tab Detail panel (Line), and sketch the profile loop. 5. If necessary, click Create tab Detail panel (Detail Component) to place a detail component into the profile family. Tip: You can change the sorting order of any detail components in the family by using the detail component draw order tools. 6. To specify the detail at which the profile family displays in the project, select any of the lines of the profile sketch, and click Modify | Lines tab Visibility panel (Visibility Settings). 7. Select the desired detail levels (Fine, Medium, or Coarse), and click OK. Tip: You can specify the detail level for detail components using the same methods. 8. On the Properties palette, under Other, for Profile Usage, click in the Value field, and select the profile type. For example, if you are creating a mullion profile, select Mullion. Tip: This setting ensures that only relevant profiles are listed when using profiles within a project. For example, when selecting a mullion profile, stair nosing profiles do not display. 9. Click Apply. 10. Add any dimensions required. 11. Save the family. Examples

Creating Specialized Families

Sample profile sketch

Sample crane rail profile sketch

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Note: Notice that the metal deck profile is not a closed loop. This is an example of a special profile that does not require a closed-loop sketch.

Creating an RPC Family Use the Family Editor to create a Revit family for entourage, including people, cars, plants, and office clutter. In an RPC family, you can specify an ArchVision RPC file to use for the render appearance. Note: To create a Revit family for entourage that will use a source other than an RPC file for the render appearance, see Creating an Entourage Family. To create an RPC family 1. Click New Family. 2. In the New Family – Select Template File dialog, select RPC Family.rft or Metric RPC Family.rft, and click Open. By default, a placeholder for a person displays in the drawing area. (You can see it more clearly in an elevation view.) However, you can change this entourage family to be any type of object, such as a tree, chair, or car. When you select a render appearance for the entourage (described in Step 4), the drawing area displays an appropriate placeholder for it. 3. Create family types, and specify their parameters. For example, suppose you want to include a variety of red ash trees in a project, so you create an RPC family named Red Ash. You define 3 family types named Tall, Short, and Autumn. In the type parameters, you can specify a different height for each tree type. How? For instance, to create the Tall family type for the Red Ash tree family, do the following. (Repeat these steps to create family types for Short and Autumn.)

Creating Specialized Families

a. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Types). b. In the Family Types dialog, click New. In the Name dialog, enter Tall and click OK. In the Family Types dialog, Tall now appears in the Name field. (As you define more family types, they appear in the pull-down list for Name. Choose the desired family type name from the list to define or modify parameters for it.) c. In the Family Types dialog, for Height, specify 50' (15.24 m). d. Click Apply. 4. For each family type, specify the render appearance. How? a. b. c. d. e. f.

In the Family Types dialog, select a family type from the Name list. If needed, click the Identity Data header to display its parameters. For Render Appearance, click the button in the Value column. In the Render Appearance Library dialog, for Class, select . Select the desired render appearance, and click OK. Click Apply.

For example, for the red ash tree family, you specify Red Ash as the render appearance for the Tall and Short types, but Red Ash [Fall] as the render appearance for the Autumn type. When you specify the render appearance, the drawing area displays a placeholder for the object in 2D and 3D views. The detailed render appearance displays only in rendered images. For more information, see Specifying a Render Appearance for an RPC Family. 5. Specify visibility settings for the entourage placeholder, as follows: a. In the drawing area, select the placeholder. b. Click Modify | tab Visibility panel (Visibility Settings). c. In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, select the desired settings. See Setting Family Geometry Visibility. d. Click OK. 6. Save the family. 7. Load the family into a project.

Section Head Family When creating a section head family, you define the section head symbol. The section head symbol you create should indicate the viewing direction. You set a viewing direction by sketching an arrow head. The symbol should also include a set of double arrow mirror controls to reverse the viewing direction, if necessary. Tip: The intersection of the 2 perpendicular reference planes represents the origin of the symbol. The origin is the point at which the symbol attaches to the section line. Sketch the lines accordingly.

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Creating a Structural Column Family You create column families by defining what the column looks like in plan view, elevation view, and 3D view. For detailed information about creating a family, see Creating Loadable Families. The following image shows what a column may look like in a 3D view.

3D view of structural column

Starting a Structural Column Family When you start creating a column family, you see one of 3 views: a front elevation view of a lower reference level tag and an upper reference level tag with reference planes, a plan view with reference planes and 2 sets of equality dimensions, and a 3D view. The view in which you start creating geometry does not matter. You can define geometry in any of these views. You may want to add an overall width and depth dimension to the plan view and label it. This is useful if you are going to have a list of different-size columns. When you create a column, Revit automatically adds a rotation control symbol to the lower left corner of the geometry in the plan view. You notice it when you add the column to a project. You can rotate the column in the plan view by clicking Modify, selecting the column geometry, and then dragging the rotation control arrow. The following procedure is a general procedure for creating a column family. Your steps may differ based on design intent. 1. Click

New

Family.

Creating Specialized Families

2. In the Open dialog, select column.rft from the templates folder, and click Open. 3. Create the geometry for the family. For more information on creating solid geometry, see Creating Solid and Void Geometry. 4. If desired, label any permanent dimensions that you may have added. Place the cursor over the dimension text and right-click. Click Edit Label and enter a name for the dimension. This name appears in the properties of the family. You can modify the name to change all occurrences of that family type in the project or you can use it to create other family types with varying sizes. 5. Set the reference planes and sketch lines properties for Defines Origin and Is Reference properties. 6. Save the family by clicking extension.

Save. Revit saves the file with an RFA

Specifying How a Structural Column Displays in Plan View Revit Structure

For a column family, you can select the option Show family pre-cut in plan views, in the Family Category and Parameters dialog. When you select this option and load the family into a project, the column displays in a plan view using the cut plane specified in the plan view of the family. 1. Open a column family or start a new column family. 2. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. 3. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select or clear the Show family pre-cut in plan views parameter. If you want the column to display in plan view...

then...

based on the cut plane of the project’s clear the parameter. plan view consistently, regardless of the cut plane of the project’s plan view

select the parameter. The column displays using the cut plane specified within the Family Editor plan view.

4. Click OK. 5. Save the column family. After you load the column family into a project, the column displays based on the parameter settings you specified within the Family Editor.

Example The following image shows a column family loaded in a project with "Show family precut in plan views" not selected. The horizontal line was added to indicate the plan view's cut plane.

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In the following image, the column family was saved with "Show family pre-cut in plan views" selected. It was loaded into a project and a horizontal line was added to mark the plan view’s cut plane. Notice the cut plane of the project’s plan view has no effect on the display of the column.

Example The following image shows a column with corbels family depicting “Show family pre-cut in plan views” enabled (left) and disabled (right). Notice the cut plane of the

Creating Specialized Families

project’s plan view has no effect on the display of the column. The horizontal arrow marks the cut plane for the section views to the right.

Structural Column Family Parameters To access the Structural Column Family Parameters in the Family Editor, click Modify | Structural Column tab Mode panel Edit Family Properties panel Family Category and Parameters. Verify that Structural Columns is selected as the Family Category. The Family Parameters display at the bottom of the dialog. Parameter

Value

Structural Material Type

Controls hidden view display of the structural column family. See Material Structural Classes.

Symbolic Representation

Determines whether the Symbolic Representation of the structural column is defined by the family or the settings of the project in which its placed. See Symbolic Representation Settings Tab.

Always export as geometry

Ensures that the structural column family is exported as geometry at all times. This overrides the Export as Architectural Desktop and Building System Objects

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Parameter

Value option in the Export Options dialog. See Exporting Structural Members.

Beam cutback in plan

Determines whether the symbolic representation of a beam is cutback from the column bounding box or the physical geometry of the column. See Beam to Column Joins and Cutback.

Display in hidden views

Defines the structural column family rules for displaying edges in hidden views. See Showing Hidden Element Lines.

Shared

Denotes the structural column family as a shared family. See Loading Families with Shared Components into a Project.

Show family pre-cut in plan views

Displays the structural column family in a plan view using the cut plane specified in the plan view of the family. See Specifying How a Structural Column Displays in Plan View.

Creating a Truss Family A truss layout family consists of lines that define truss elements such as chords and webs. Chord and web members are created such that their center lines (local x axis) will lie along the layout lines that you define in the truss layout family. The entire layout will be transformed such that the distance between the 2 end reference planes will be determined by the truss instance based on its shape in the project. The Length parameter may be used in your truss layout family to perform calculations to specify the exact location of vertical web members or to calculate the number of panels to create in the project environment. Truss family editor tools    

Click Create tab Detail panel Top Chord to draw the location and geometric configuration of the top chord layout lines. Click Create tab Detail panel Bottom Chord to draw the location and geometric configuration of the bottom chord layout lines. Click Create tab Detail panel Web to draw the location of vertical and diagonal web layout lines. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Type to select the types of structural framing families used for chords and webs.

Creating Specialized Families

You may create different types of the same layout family. Differences between these types include the following.   

The types of structural framing families used for chords and webs The member rotation of chords or webs about their local x axes The member end releases

Creating a New Truss Layout Family File 1. Click New Family. Navigate to the Imperial or Metric template directory and select the Structural Trusses.rft family template file. Click the Open button to open a new family file. 2. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Types. In the Family Types dialog, click New and provide a name for this truss type. Repeat this step for each planned type of this truss family. Click OK to close the dialog. 3. Click Insert tab Load from Library panel Load Framing Family. In order to specify structural framing families for the truss layout family to use, you must load them in your truss layout family. Navigate to the Imperial or Metric family directory and select the structural framing families for chords and webs. These must be structural framing families or generic annotation families. Repeat this step to specify for each type of truss. 4. Click Create tab Properties panel Family Types. For each truss family type, select the desired framing type for top chord, bottom chord, vertical webs and diagonal webs. Click OK to close the dialog. 5. Click Save.

Save As. Provide a name for the new truss family and click

Adding Truss Family Parameters 1. In the Family Editor, click Create tab Properties panel Family Types. 2. Under parameters you have the option to add, modify, or remove parameters from the family type. Adjust parameter settings and click OK. 3. Enter formulas and define the parameter settings. See Creating Family Parameters. If you leave the structural framing type blank in a truss layout family, the truss will behave as follows: 



The value for truss members in the truss type will show Set Framing Type, which means that the truss will use the default, or most recently created structural framing type in the project. When set to Set Framing Type, Revit will not change the values for framing members in the family type properties when a truss is created in the project environment. The value remains set to Set Framing Type, the default setting, until you change it in the family type properties.

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Sketching a Truss Family Layout The structural truss family template provides 5 permanent reference planes: top, bottom, left, center and right; the left and right planes indicate the span length of the truss. Truss layout lines which end at these planes or are coincident with them will maintain this relationship during layout transformation in the project environment. To sketch truss chords Sketch a truss web 1. Click Create tab Detail panel Top Chord. 2. Sketch along the top reference plane to define the top chord. For more information, see Sketching.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Click the lock symbol attached to the line to lock the chord to the plane. Click Create tab Detail panel Bottom Chord. Sketch along the bottom reference plane to define the bottom chord. Again, click the lock symbol to lock the chord to the plane. Click Create tab Detail panel Web. Sketch the panel webs. If needed, place additional dimensions between sketched lines and reference planes. 10. Save this file to your Family directory. The truss type is now ready for loading into your model. 11. Click Create tab Family Editor panel Load into Project. Note: Remember to drag the truss into a plan view, not an elevation view.

Creating a Type Catalog A type catalog lists all of the types in a family, allowing you to select and load only the types you need for the current project, resulting in a smaller project file size. To create a type catalog, you create an external text file (TXT) that contains the parameters and parameter values that create the different types in a specific family. You place this file in the same location as the family file so that when you select to load the family, the type catalog displays. Notes   

Create type catalogs for families that contain 6 or more types. Parameter names are case sensitive. For system parameters, the parameter within the family must have a value previously defined for the type to load the value from the catalog properly.

Creating Specialized Families



To have inch marks display in the type name, you must include 2 double quote symbols in the type catalog (see table).

To display the type name...

In the type catalog, enter...

48" x 60"

48"" x 60""

3' - 6"

3' - 6""

The easiest way to create a type catalog is to use the Export Family Types tool on an existing family. Using this tool, you create the base type catalog and then modify the text file in a text editor. Create a type catalog using the Export Family Types tool 1. Open a family that contains all of the parameters and data for one or more of the base types. Note: Only parameters that have values in the family are exported to the type catalog. 2. Click Export (Family Types). 3. In the Export As dialog, verify that the type catalog has the same name as the family, but with a .txt extension, and that it will be saved in the same directory as the family file. 4. Click Save. 5. Open the .txt file in a text editor. The first line in the text file is the parameter declaration. The syntax will be similar to the following: ,Length##length##inches,Width##length##inches,Height##length##inches Syntax

Description

,

The first character of the first line in the file is the delimiter. This character is used to separate each parameter definition.

Length##length##inches Defines a parameter in the family (Parameter Name##Parameter Type##Units). 6. Define additional parameters as needed, making sure to use the delimiter and syntax specified. 7. Review the second line in the type catalog. This line defines the first type. For example, the syntax for a type could be similar to the following: 36x12x36,36,12,36 Syntax

Description

36x12x36

Type name.

,

A comma is used to separate the type name from the list

127

128

Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide

Syntax

Description of parameter values, and is also a delimiter for each parameter.

36,12,36

Length parameter value = 36, Width parameter value = 12, Height parameter value = 36

8. Duplicate the type syntax, and modify the type name and parameter values to create additional types in the catalog. The following table includes a sample of the types of parameters supported in a type catalog. Type of Parameter

Parameter Declaration

Text

param_name##OTHER##

Integer

param_name##OTHER##

Number

param_name##OTHER##

Length

param_name##LENGTH##FEET

Area

param_name##AREA##SQUARE_FEET

Volume

param_name##VOLUME##CUBIC_FEET

Angle

param_name##ANGLE##DEGREES

Slope

param_name##SLOPE##SLOPE_DEGREES

Currency

param_name##CURRENCY##

URL

param_name##OTHER##

Material

param_name##OTHER##

Yes/No

param_name##OTHER##

Defined as 1 or 0 with 1 equaling Yes and 0 equaling No.



param_name##OTHER##

Family name:type name with no file extension

Metadata parameters : Keynote

Keynote##OTHER##

Model

Model##OTHER##

Notes

Creating Specialized Families

Type of Parameter

Parameter Declaration

Notes

Manufacturer Manufacturer##OTHER## Type Comments

Type Comments##OTHER##

URL

URL##OTHER##

Description

Description##OTHER##

Assembly Code

Assembly Code##OTHER##

Cost

Cost##CURRENCY##

Sample text file and type catalog Following is a sample type catalog TXT file: ,Manufacturer##other##,Length##length##centimeters,Width##length##centimeter s,Height##length##centimeters MA36x30,Revit,36.5,2.75,30 MA40x24,Revit,40.5,3.25,24 When loading the corresponding family in a project, you would see the following type catalog: Type

Manufacturer Length

Width

Height

MA36x30

Revit

36.5cm

2.75cm

30cm

MA40x24

Revit

40.5cm

3.25cm

24cm

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