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Revit 2014 Family Guide 2013 PDF
Revit 2014 Family Guide 2013 PDF
June 2013
Autodesk Revit 2014 Families Guide
Contents 3
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
4 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 time-
consuming. 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 7
Revit Architecture
Revit MEP
8 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.)
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 9
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.
10 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.
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 11
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.
12 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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 13
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.
o 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 in-
place 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
Template Types
Review the following template descriptions to determine which one best suits your
needs.
Template Description
Template Description
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.
2D family
Detail Item
Profile
Annotation
Choosing a Family Template 17
Titleblock
3D family that
Baluster
requires specific
Structural Framing
functionality
Structural Truss
Rebar
Pattern Based
3D family that is
Wall Based
hosted
Ceiling Based
Floor Based
Roof Based
Face Based
3D family that is
Line Based
unhosted
Standalone (Level Based)
Adaptive
2-Level Based (Column)
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
If you are creating a host-based family, host geometry may also display.
Choosing a Family Template 19
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
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.
Casework Yes
Columns Yes
Doors Yes
Generic Models No
Choosing a Category 21
Site Yes
Topography No
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
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.
22 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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 23
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 25
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. Click Create tab Datum panel (Reference Plane).
3. Sketch the reference plane.
4. Select the reference plane.
5. On the Properties palette, under Other, select Defines Origin, and click
Apply.
6. Create or open a family.
7. In a plan view, while pressing Ctrl, select both reference planes.
8. Click Modify | Reference Planes tab Modify panel (Pin).
9. 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.
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.
26 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
28 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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
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.
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.
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.
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 33
Name Description
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.
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 35
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.
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.
36 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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
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.
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.
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.
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 manufacturer-
specific 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.
40 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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 41
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.
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.
42 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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 43
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.
44 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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 45
Revit now knows where each line of this geometry exists with respect to reference
planes or other sketch lines.
46 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
As you add locked dimensions, they replace the automatic sketch dimensions, as
shown.
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 47
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.
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.
If you havent 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.
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 51
1. Select the geometry, and click Modify | <Element> 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.
52 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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 53
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).
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.
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.
54 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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
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 55
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.
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.
Width Factor 1.0 is the default for regular text width. The font width scales
proportionately to the Width Factor. Height is not affected.
56 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
Graphics
Sample Text Read-only field that displays the Sample Value from the
Edit Label dialog.
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.
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 57
1. In a project, click Insert tab Load from Library panel (Load Family).
2. Create a sheet using the titleblock. See Sheets.
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.
58 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
Lookup Tables
Lookup tables are used to define parameter values in an external comma-
separated 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\<product name and release>
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:
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 Properties panel (Family
Types).
2. Under Lookup Tables, click Manage.
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.
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.
60 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
Air Terminals X X X X X
Cable Tray X X X
Fittings
Communications X X X X X
Devices
Conduit Fittings X X X
Data Devices X X X X X
Duct X X X X
Accessories
Duct Fittings X X X X
Electrical X X X X
Equipment
Electrical X X X X X
Revit MEP Components 61
Fixtures
Fire Alarm X X X X X
Devices
Generic Models X X X
Lighting Devices X X X X X
Lighting Fixtures X X X X X X
Mechanical X X X X
Equipment
Nurse Call X X X X
Devices
Pipe X X X X
Accessories
Pipe Fittings X X X X
Plumbing X X X X X
Fixtures
Security Devices X X X X X
Sprinklers X X X X
Telephone X X X X X
Devices
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
62 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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\<product name and release>\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\<product name and
release> .
Part Types
Duct Accessories
Duct Fittings
Mechanical Equipment
Revit MEP Components 63
Pipe Accessories
Pipe Fittings
Plumbing Fixture
Data Devices
Electrical Equipment
Electrical Fixtures
Lighting Devices
Lighting Fixtures
Security Devices
Telephone Devices
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 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
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.
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 69
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).
70 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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 71
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.
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.
72 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
Nested windows
When the ganged unit shown above is loaded into a project, tagged, and
scheduled, the result is as follows:
74 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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 77
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.
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.
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.
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.
80 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 plane-
based 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 83
On the right, the same extrusion was reloaded into the family after designating it
work plane-based and always vertical.
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
84 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
Example of Vertical and Non-Vertical Families; 3 trees are set to Always Vertical, 2
trees are not.
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.
86 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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.
88 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
94 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
Not shared In a lighting fixture schedule, You can change settings for
the entire fixture (and its light the entire lighting fixture as a
sources) are listed as one item. whole, but you cannot change
For example, for a chandelier, settings for individual light
the individual candles cannot sources. For example, you
be listed individually, grouped, can change the initial intensity
or totalled. for the entire chandelier, but
not for its individual candles.
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 95
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.
96 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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 97
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. If needed, open the host lighting fixture family in the Family Editor.
b. Click Create tab Model panel (Component).
c. Select the light source family from the Properties Palette.
d. 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.
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.
98 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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 101
a. In the host chandelier family, select one of the candles from the
candle family.
b. Click Modify | <Elements> 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).
Now you can place instances of the chandelier family in the building model. See
Using Lighting Fixtures in a Building Model.
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\<product name and release>\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.
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.)
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 Save.
4. Load the lighting fixture into a project.
See Loading Families.
104 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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 105
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 Lighting panel (Light Source
Definition).
As an alternative, on the Properties palette, for Light Source Definition, click Edit.
The Light Source Definition dialog displays.
106 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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.
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
Light Source Symbol The size of the symbol that represents the light source in
Size 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 The length of the symbol that represents a spotlight in 2D
Length 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.
Identity Data
Parameter Description
Lamp Number and type of light bulbs used in the lighting fixture.
(This information can be useful in schedules.)
Photometrics: The following parameters affect rendered images. You may be able
to obtain parameter values from the manufacturer of the light source. Check the
manufacturers 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
110 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
Parameter Description
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 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 The diameter of the light source that emits light in a
Diameter rendered image. This parameter is available when the Emit
from Shape setting is Circle.
Emit from Rectangle The width of the rectangle that represents the light source
Width in a rendered image. This parameter is available when the
Emit from Shape setting is Rectangle.
Emit from Rectangle The length of the rectangle that represents the light source
Length 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 Select this option to make the shape of the light visible as
Rendering 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 111
Parameter Description
Dimming Lamp Color Specify whether the color and intensity of a dimmed light
Temperature Shift 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.
6. Click OK.
7. Save changes to the lighting fixture family.
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.
Parameter Description
Parameter Description
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.
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).
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
116 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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
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.
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
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.
120 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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.
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 Save. Revit saves the file with an RFA
extension.
consistently, regardless of the cut select the parameter. The column displays
plane of the projects plan view 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 pre-
cut in plan views" not selected. The horizontal line was added to indicate the plan view's
cut plane.
122 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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 views cut plane. Notice the cut plane of the projects 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 123
projects 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.
Parameter Value
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.
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 125
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
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.
126 Autodesk Revit 2014 Family Guide
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. Click the lock symbol attached to the line to lock the chord to the plane.
4. Click Create tab Detail panel Bottom Chord.
5. Sketch along the bottom reference plane to define the bottom chord.
6. Again, click the lock symbol to lock the chord to the plane.
7. Click Create tab Detail panel Web.
8. Sketch the panel webs.
9. 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.
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 127
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 In the type catalog, enter...
name...
Syntax Description
Syntax Description
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.
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##
Metadata parameters :
Keynote Keynote##OTHER##
Model Model##OTHER##
Creating Specialized Families 129
Manufacturer Manufacturer##OTHER##
URL URL##OTHER##
Description Description##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: