Revit Creating Family

Creating Families
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414 | Chapter 12 Creating Families
About Families and the Family Editor
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All elements in Autodesk Revit Building 9.1 are family based. The term family describes a powerful concept used throughout Revit Building to help you manage your data and make changes easily. Each family element can have multiple types defined within it, each with a different size, shape, material set, or other parameter variables as designed by the family creator. Even though various types within a family can look completely different, they are still related and come from a single source, thus the term family. Changes to a family type definition ripple through the project and are automatically reflected in every instance of that family or type within the project. This keeps everything coordinated and saves you the time and effort of manually keeping components and schedules up to date. In this tutorial, you learn about the various types of families and the Family Editor.
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Using Families and the Family Editor

One of the many advantages of using Revit Building is the ability to create your own families of components without having to learn a complex programming language. Using the Family Editor, you create a family within predefined templates that contain the intelligent objects needed to create the particular family type. You provide the information necessary to uniquely describe the family geometry. In this lesson, you learn about the three types of families and how they are used within a project and how they are created. You also learn about the Family Editor, and when and how to use it.
Introduction to Families
Most families are created in the Family Editor and saved as separate files with an .rfa extension. All different types that you create are stored with the master family file. For example, if you create a family called "double-hung window" that includes types with several sizes, the types would all be saved as one file which can then be loaded into any project. This makes file management much easier, because there is only one file to track. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Some family types are pre-defined within Revit Building and cannot be created or modified outside of the project environment. Walls, floors, and roofs are examples of these types of families. In addition, there is another type of family that allows you to create any shape or form required for a particular project and have Revit Building recognize it as a particular component type, such as a dome roof. Revit Building has three types of families:

System Standard Component In-place
System Families
System families are pre-defined within Revit Building and comprise principle building components such as walls, floors, and roofs. The basic walls system family, for example, has wall types that define interior, exterior, foundation, generic, and partition wall styles. You can duplicate and modify existing system families, but you cannot create new system families. NOTE You can use Transfer Project Standards to copy system families from one project to another. The following illustration shows different types within the basic walls family.
Standard Component Families

Standard component families are loaded by default in project templates, while many more are stored in component libraries. You work with the Family Editor to create and modify components. You can either duplicate and modify an existing component family or create a new component family based on a variety of family templates. Family templates are either host-based or standalone. Host-based families have components that require hosts. An example is a door family hosted by a wall family. Standalone families include columns, trees, and furniture. Family templates assist you in creating and manipulating component families. Standard component families can exist outside of the project environment and have an .rfa extension. You can load them into projects, transfer them from one project to another, and save them from a project file to your library if needed.
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The following illustration shows host-based window and door family components in a wall, and also a standalone furniture family component.
In-place Families
In-place families are either model or annotation components in a particular project. You create in-place families only within the current project, so they are useful for objects unique to that project; for example, custom wall treatments. You have a choice of categories when you create in-place families, and the category that you use determines the components appearance and display control within the project. The following illustration shows a building model of the Pantheon without a roof and with an in-place roof family.
Adding a family to a project

1 Open or start a project. To add a family to your project, you can drag it into the document window, or you can load it using the Load From Library, Load Family command on the File menu. After the family has been loaded in the project, it is saved with the project. Families are listed in the Project Browser under their respective component category. You do not have to carry the original family file along with the project. However, if you change the original family, you need to reload the family in the project to see the updated family. 2 On the File menu, click Load From Library Load Family. 3 Navigate to the library or location of the family. 4 Select the family file name and click Open. In this section, you learned about the different types of Revit Building families and when to use them. In the final exercise, you learn about the Family Editor, how to access it, and when to use it.
Introduction to the Family Editor

You can use the Family Editor to create both real-life building components and graphical/annotation components. Families store all of the necessary geometry to display the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) versions of particular objects. Family element visibility can be dependent of your viewing direction, such as plan, elevation, or 3D, as well as the level of detail associated with that view.
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In this exercise, you learn when to use the Family Editor, how to access it, and the general procedure for creating a standard component family.
When to use the Family Editor

During the design process, you will inevitably come to a point where you need a specific component for your design. In this case, presume it is a bay window that you require. There is a logical thought process that you should follow: 1 Is there a component of this type already loaded into this project? If so, it should be available within the Type Selector. 2 If there isnt a component family loaded in the project, you can search the component library loaded on your local hard drive. Also consider any internal family libraries that may exist on the network. 3 Next, consider checking the web library and other web resources, such as newsgroups. 4 If you cant find the component you require, you should then try to find the component that most closely resembles it. It is far easier to modify an existing component within the Family Editor than to create it from scratch. If you find a close match, open it in the Family Editor, modify it as needed, and then load it into the project. 5 Finally, if you have exhausted your external resources, you should create a new component family using one of the family templates as a starting point.
How to use the Family Editor

You can access the Family Editor in several ways. With Revit Building open, you can click File Open, navigate to a family file, and click Open. When the family opens, it opens within the Family Editor. This will be apparent because the only Design Bar tab available is Family. Within the Windows environment, you can double-click any file with an .rfa extension and it will open Revit Building in the Family Editor. You can have a project open and the Family Editor open simultaneously. To start a new family, click File New Family, select the appropriate template, and click Open.
General procedure for creating a standard component family

1 Select the appropriate family template. 2 Define sub-categories for the family to aid in controlling visibility of the object. 3 Lay out reference planes to aid in drawing component geometry. 4 Add dimensions to specify parametric component geometry. 5 Add label dimensions to create type or instance parameters. 6 Flex the new model to verify correct component behavior. 7 Specify 2D and 3D geometry display characteristics with sub-category and entity visibility settings. 8 Define family type variations by specifying different parameters. 9 Save the newly-defined family, and then load it into a new project and see how it performs.
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Creating Components in the Family Editor
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In this tutorial, you learn how to create specific Autodesk Revit Building 9.1 families. In each lesson, you learn how to create a different type of component. Using the installed templates, you start with a simple door family and then move onto a window family. You create a furniture family, a lighting fixture, and several annotation families. In addition, you create an in-place family. When you create an in-place family, you create it within the project file, not within the Family Editor. This allows you to create the family in the context of the current project.
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Creating a Door Family

In this lesson, you create a custom door family based on the definition of a flush exterior door. After you create the door leaf as an extrusion, you create new door types based on size and assign parameters respectively.
You also learn how to constrain the door design by adding labelled dimensions to specify values for the door width, height, and thickness.
Drawing the Door Plan View Components

In this exercise, you draw the plan view components for the new door family. The door type has a variable height and width.
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Create a new family based on the default door template

1 Close any open projects or families. 2 On the File menu, click New Family. 3 In the left pane of the New dialog box, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates\ Metric Door.rft. 4 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom All to Fit. 5 On the Window menu, click Tile. Notice the four tiled views. The reference planes that display are part of the default door template, and represent the door opening profile. The door opening is aligned and locked to the reference planes. Labelled dimensions, part of the door properties, are also displayed.
6 Maximize the window, Floor Plan: Ref. Level. 7 Enter ZF; this is the keyboard shortcut for Zoom to Fit.
Draw the door panel plan view representation

8 On the Design Bar, click Symbolic Lines. 9 In the Type Selector, select Doors [projection]. 10 On the Options Bar, click .
11 Starting at the door hinge point on the lower left corner of the door opening, sketch a 1000 mm x 50 mm rectangle for the door leaf as shown.
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Dimension the door panel

12 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 13 Add a horizontal dimension from the left edge to the right edge of the door panel as shown.
14 Add a vertical dimension from the top edge of the door panel to the bottom edge as shown.
Add dimension labels to the door leaf

15 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 16 Select the vertical dimension that controls the door width. 17 On the Options Bar, select Width for Label.
NOTE This same label is applied to the dimension referencing the door opening. Because labelled dimensions are parameters, a user can change the value of the Width parameter and all dimensions labelled with it change accordingly. 18 Select the horizontal dimension that references the door thickness. 19 On the Options Bar, select Thickness for Label.
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Draw the door opening plan view arc

20 Select the dimension with the two EQ symbols and move it, along with the witness line controls, so it doesnt visually interfere with the door swing location, as shown.
21 On the Design Bar, click Symbolic Lines. 22 In the Type selector, select Plan Swing [cut]. 23 On the Options Bar, click .
TIP If the Arc from Center and End Points command is not visible on the Options Bar, click the down arrow button, and select the command from the menu. When drawing an arc from center and end points, you first specify the arc center, then you specify each end point. 24 Enter SI, and select the intersection at the upper left corner of the door opening for the arc center point. 25 Select the upper right corner of the door opening for the arc start point. 26 Select the upper left corner of the door leaf for the arc endpoint. In the image below, the arc is selected so you can see the arc center and each end point.
Add a reference plane for the exterior face of the door

27 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Door Leaf Solid Geometry on page 425.
Creating the Door Leaf Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the door leaf with an extrusion. Dataset Continue using the family file from the previous exercise. 1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Exterior.
2 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 3 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 4 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Reference Plane: Exterior for Name, and click OK. 5 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 6 On the Options Bar, enter 50 mm for Depth, and click .
7 Select the upper left corner of the door opening for the first corner of the rectangle, and then select the lower right corner of the door opening for the second corner of the rectangle.
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8 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 9 In the Project Browser under Elevations, double-click Left.
10 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 11 Add a horizontal dimension from the exterior face of the door extrusion to the interior face of the door extrusion. TIP When you add the witness line to the exterior face of the extrusion, use the TAB key to toggle to the extrusion reference, then click to specify the dimension witness line.
12 On the Design Bar, click Modify and select the dimension. 13 On the Options Bar, select Thickness for Label.
14 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level.
Specify the visibility of the door leaf in plan view

15 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 16 Select the door leaf extrusion.
17 On the Options Bar, click Visibility. 18 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog box, under View Specific Display, select Front/Back, and clear Plan/RCP, Left/Right, and When cut in Plan/RCP. 19 Under Detail Levels, verify that Coarse, Medium, and Fine are selected, and click OK.
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20 On the Options Bar, click
21 In the Element Properties dialog box, select Panel for Subcategory, and click OK. The solid geometry of the door is now complete. 22 Proceed to the next exercise, Assigning Materials to the Door Components on page 428.
Assigning Materials to the Door Components

In this exercise, you assign a material to the door leaf. This material designation controls how it displays in shaded and hidden line views. It also defines its appearance when rendered. Dataset Continue using the family file from the previous exercise.
Create a new material based on the existing red oak material

1 On the Settings menu, click Materials. 2 In the Materials dialog box, click Duplicate. 3 In the New Material dialog box, enter Oak Door for Name, and click OK. 4 In the Materials dialog box, under AccuRender, click for Texture.
5 In the Material Library dialog box, navigate to AccuRender/Wood/Oak,Red/Stained,Dark,No Gloss. 6 Click OK. 7 In the Materials dialog box, click OK.
Assign the Oak Door material to the door leaf

8 Select the door leaf extrusion. 9 On the Options Bar, click . for Material.
10 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Materials and Finishes, click 11 In the Materials dialog box, under Name, select Oak Door, and click OK. 12 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. The door leaf is assigned the new Oak Door material. 13 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Assign the Oak Door material to the door frame

14 Select the interior door frame extrusion.
. for Material.
16 In the Element Properties dialog box, click
17 In the Materials dialog box, select Oak Door for Name, and click OK. 18 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 19 Repeat the previous five steps for the exterior frame extrusion.
The door frame is assigned the new Oak Door material.
View the new door

20 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under 3D Views, double-click View 1. 21 On the View Control Bar, click the Model Graphics Style control, and select Shading with Edges.
22 Zoom in on a door corner.
The Oak Door material is now assigned to the door leaf and door frame.
Flex the door model

23 Zoom out to view the entire door.
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Flexing the new family is an important part of the design process. By flexing the new component, you ensure it adjusts to the changes it may encounter once loaded into a project. 24 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. Try to move the dialog box off to the side so you can still see the door family next to it. This allows you to apply changes made in the dialog box and see how the new door reacts. 25 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 2500 mm for Height. Enter 1500 mm for Width. Under Other, enter 125 mm for Frame Width. Click Apply.
Notice the door geometry adapts to the new dimension values.
26 Return the door parameters to their original values. In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 2000 mm for Height. Enter 1000 mm for Width. Under Other, enter 75 mm for Frame Width. Click Apply.
27 Click OK. 28 Proceed to the next exercise, Defining New Door Types on page 430
Defining New Door Types

In this exercise, you define new door types based on the door model that you have created. Dataset Continue using the family file from the previous exercise.
Define new door types with various heights and widths

1 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 2 In the Family Types dialog box, under Family Types, click New. 3 In the Name dialog box, enter 925 x 2000mm for Name, and click OK.
4 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 2000 mm for Height. Enter 925 mm for Width. Click Apply.
Define the second new door type. 5 Under Family Types, click New. 6 In the Name dialog box, enter 750 x 2100mm for Name, and click OK. 7 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

Define the third new door type. 8 Under Family Types, click New. 9 In the Name dialog box, enter 1220 x 2134mm for Name, and click OK. 10 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

11 Click OK. You now have three new door types defined within your door family. 12 On the File menu, click Save. 13 Navigate to the folder of your choice and save the new door family with the name, Training Door.rfa.
Load the new door family into a new project

14 On the File menu, click New Project. 15 In the New Project dialog box, under Template file, click Browse. 16 In the left pane of the Choose Template dialog box, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates\ DefaultMetric.rte. 17 Under Create new, select Project, and click OK. 18 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Door. 19 On the Options Bar, click Load. 20 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location where you saved the door family, Training Door.rfa, select it, and click Open.
Place new door types in the project

21 On the Design Bar, click Wall. Use the default wall selection in the Type Selector. 22 Draw a wall segment 8000mm long.
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23 On the View toolbar, click
24 On the View Control Bar, click the Model Graphics Style control, and select Shading with Edges.
25 On the Design Bar, click Door. 26 In the Type Selector, select Training Door : 925 x 2000mm. 27 Add the door to the left side of the wall as shown.
28 In the Type Selector, select Training Door : 750 x 2100mm. 29 Add this door to the center of the wall as shown.
30 In the Type Selector, select Training Door : 1220 x 2134mm. 31 Add the third door type to the right side of the wall as shown.
32 You can close all files without saving. You now have three new flush exterior doors based on the new door family prototype. This completes the lesson, Creating a Door Family.
Creating a Window Family

In this lesson, you create a custom window family based on the definition of a fixed rectangular window with nine lights. You create the window frame, glazing and mullions as extrusions, and create the window sash as a sweep. You then assign parameters to the window family to allow for the creation of different-sized versions of the nine-light prototype. Finally, you assign new dimension values to the window to create new types within the window family, and specify values for the window width, height, default sill height, and mullion offset.
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Specifying the New Window Parameters

In this exercise, you specify the parameters for the new window family. The window type has a variable height and width, equally spaced vertical mullions, and the height of the top and bottom row of lights is adjustable.
Create a new family based on the default window template

1 Close any open projects or families. 2 On the File menu, click New Family. 3 In the left pane of the New dialog box, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates\ Metric Window.rft. 4 On the Window menu, click Tile. 5 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom All to Fit. Four views are tiled on your display. The reference planes that display are part of the default window template and represent the window opening profile. The window opening is aligned and locked to the reference planes. Labelled dimensions, part of the window properties, are also displayed. 6 Maximize the exterior elevation view. 7 Enter ZF; this is the keyboard shortcut for Zoom to Fit. 8 Two dimension strings display with their labels, Height and Default Sill Height. The label name, also one of the window properties, is one of the type parameters. When you add labels to dimensions, these specific type parameters are adjustable once the window is part of a project.
Modify the new window type height and width parameters

9 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. Move the dialog box off to the side so you can see the window opening. 10 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

Change the height and width values again, and click Apply. Notice how the window opening adapts to the changing dimension values. This process is called flexing the model, and it is done to avoid conflicts and to ensure that all model geometry adjusts to changes as designed. 11 Enter 1000 mm for Height and 2000 mm for Width, and click Apply. This is the starting point for the new window.
12 Click OK. 13 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Window Frame Solid Geometry on page 435.
Creating the Window Frame Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the window frame with a sweep. Creating sweep geometry requires first sketching the sweep path, then sketching the sweep profile. The profile is swept along the path to create the solid geometry. Dataset Continue using the family file from the previous exercise.
Creating the Window Frame Solid Geometry | 435
Create a sweep path for the window frame solid geometry

1 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Sweep. 2 On the Design Bar, click Sketch 2D Path. 3 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 4 On the Options Bar, click .
5 Sketch a rectangle to represent the sweep path starting at the upper left corner of the opening and ending at the lower right corner. Snap the cursor to each corner.
6 On the Design Bar, click Finish Path.
Add a reference plane for the sweep profile

7 On the Design Bar, click Sketch Profile. 8 In the Go To View dialog box, select Elevation: Right, and click Open View. 9 On the View Control Bar, click the Scale control, and select 1:10. 10 Zoom in on the red dot in the middle of the wall.
The red dot indicates the intersection of the sweep path and the profile plane. 11 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 12 On the Options Bar, click , and specify an offset of 50 mm.
13 Pick the exterior wall face so that a reference line is offset 50 mm to the left of the exterior wall face as shown.
14 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 15 On the Options Bar, select Prefer: Wall faces. 16 Add a dimension between the exterior wall face and the new reference plane. 17 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the dimension.
18 Drag the value control off to the side as shown.
19 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the reference plane. 20 On the Options Bar, click .
21 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Identity Data, enter Sash for the Name, and click OK.
Sketch the window frame profile

22 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 23 On the Options Bar, select Chain and click .
24 Below the red dot, sketch the frame profile approximately as shown.
NOTE When you sketch the frame profile, the exact dimensions are not critical. However, the frame profile should extend beyond the edges of the wall. Precise dimensions are assigned to the frame profile in subsequent steps. 25 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
26 Select the right edge of the frame section, and drag it to the exterior face of the wall. When the lock displays, click it to constrain the frame to the exterior wall face.
27 Select the left edge of the frame section, and drag it to the interior face of the wall. When the lock displays, click it to constrain the left edge of the frame to the interior face.
28 Select the short line parallel and to the right of the Sash reference plane. Drag it to the left and align it with the Sash reference plane. When the lock displays, click it to lock the line to the reference plane.
29 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 30 Add a vertical dimension of 40 mm to the left side of the frame and another vertical dimension of 20 mm to the right side of the frame, as shown. TIP After adding the dimension, click Modify, select the line you want to move, and specify the dimension value.
Modify each dimension if necessary.
Align the new profile to the window opening edge

31 Select the 40 mm dimension. When the lock displays, click the lock to constrain the present value. TIP If you dont see the lock icon, zoom out until it displays. 32 Select the 20 mm dimension. When the lock displays, click the lock to constrain the present value. 33 On the Tools toolbar, click .
34 Select the horizontal reference plane that intersects the red dot; this is the top of the window opening. Next, select the top horizontal line of the frame profile. Lock the alignment when the lock icon displays.
35 On the Design Bar, click Finish Profile. 36 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sweep. The window frame profile is swept around the window opening. 37 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand 3D Views, and double-click View 1. If necessary, spin the model so you can see the interior of the frame.
38 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Exterior. 39 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Window Sash Solid Geometry on page 442.
Creating the Window Sash Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the window sash with an extrusion. Dataset Continue using the family file from the previous exercise.
Specify the window sash extrusion parameters

1 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 2 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 3 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Reference Plane: Sash for Name, and click OK. 4 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 5 On the Options Bar, click , and enter - 45 mm for Depth, and select Lock.
Pick the sash profile lines

6 Place the cursor over the left side of the frame, press TAB to cycle through the selection options, and select the option, Chain of walls or lines.
The entire sash outline is selected, and lock icons display on each line.
Draw offset extrusion lines

7 On the Options Bar, set the following options: Click .
Enter - 50 mm for Offset. You specify a negative offset value to indicate an extrusion direction inside of the window frame.
Click
8 Specify the upper left inside corner of the window frame for the first corner of the rectangle, and then specify the lower right inside corner for the second corner of the rectangle.
9 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
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10 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Right. Notice the sash is aligned with the Sash reference plane.
11 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1. Spin the model if necessary to view the sash and frame at various angles.
The window sash extrusion is now complete. 12 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Window Glass Solid Geometry on page 444.
Creating the Window Glass Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the window glass with an extrusion.
Dataset Continue using the family file from the previous exercise.
Add a reference plane to specify the glass work plane

1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Right. 2 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 3 On the Options Bar, click , and enter 30 mm for Offset.
4 Select the left edge of the sash so that a vertical reference plane is added 30 mm to the right, as shown.
Creating the Window Glass Solid Geometry | 445
5 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 6 Add a horizontal dimension of 30 mm between the left edge of the sash and the reference plane.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 8 Select the reference plane. 9 On the Options Bar, click .
10 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Identity Data, enter Glazing for the Name instance parameter, and click OK. 11 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Exterior.
Pick lines to define the glass extrusion

12 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 13 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 14 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Reference Plane: Glazing for Name, and click OK. 15 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 16 On the Options Bar, click , enter -12 mm for Depth, and select Lock.
17 Place the cursor on one of the sash extrusion lines, press TAB until the chain of lines is preselected, and click to create the glass boundary.
View the window model with frame, sash, and glass

19 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Right. 20 Select the glass extrusion.
22 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Identity Data, specify Glass for the Subcategory instance parameter, and click OK. NOTE Assigning subcategories to model elements is important. After the family is loaded into a project, you can control subcategory visual style using the Objects Styles dialog box. 23 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
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24 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1. Spin the model if necessary to view the sash and frame at various angles.
Flex the window model

25 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. Move the Family Types dialog box off to the side so you can see the window model. 26 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 1500 mm for Height. Enter 1500 mm for Width. Under Other, enter 500 mm for Default Sill Height. Click Apply.
Notice the window adapts to the new dimension parameters.
NOTE After flexing the model, it is important to verify that all model elements adapted to the changes as expected. For example, make sure the window frame stretched with the opening and that the glass extrusion remains attached to the interior edge of the sash. You should flex the model at regular intervals to catch problems early. Most problems can be resolved by aligning and locking lines.
27 In the Family Types dialog box, return the window to its original dimensions:

Under Dimensions, enter 1000 mm for Height. Enter 2000 mm for Width. Under Other, enter 800 mm for Default Sill Height. Click Apply. Click OK.
28 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Window Mullion Solid Geometry on page 449.
Creating the Window Mullion Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the window mullions based on reference planes and extrusions.
Add reference planes to specify the location of the new window mullion centerlines
1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Exterior. 2 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 3 Add two horizontal and two vertical reference planes inside of the window opening to approximate the mullion centerline locations as shown. NOTE When you draw each reference plane, the exact location is not critical. Precise dimensions are assigned to the reference planes in subsequent steps.
Creating the Window Mullion Solid Geometry | 449
4 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. Add a multi-segmented dimension referencing all of the vertical reference planes except the center (Left/Right) as shown. After adding the dimension, click the EQ symbol to make the dimension segments equal.
5 Add a dimension between the top of the window opening (top reference plane) and the horizontal reference plane below it, as shown. Do not be concerned with dimension values.
6 Add a dimension between the bottom of the window opening (bottom reference plane) and the horizontal reference plane above it, as shown. Do not be concerned with dimension values.
Add a mullion offset family parameter

7 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 8 Select the dimension on the upper-right that references the top two horizontal reference planes.
9 On the Options Bar, select <Add parameter...> for Label. 10 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, specify the following parameters:

For Parameter Type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Mullion Offset for Name. Under Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Instance. Click OK.
11 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 12 In the Family Types dialog box, under Dimensions, enter 350 mm for Mullion Offset, and click OK. TIP Due to the length of the dimension label, you may want to drag the dimension value as shown.
13 Select the horizontal reference plane second from the bottom.
Notice the dimension value becomes editable. 14 Click the dimension value, and enter 350 mm as the new value.
15 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 16 Select the dimension on the lower-right. 17 On the Options Bar, select Mullion Offset for Label. As you did before, move the dimension value as shown.
18 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Create the vertical mullion extrusions

19 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 20 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane.
21 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Reference Plane: Glazing for Name, and click OK. 22 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 23 On the Options Bar, enter 14 mm for Depth, and click .
24 Sketch a rectangle centered on the left vertical mullion reference plane approximately as shown. Do not be concerned with precise dimensions. However, it is critical that the short horizontal lines align with the horizontal edges of the sash. Watch the Status Bar to be sure that the lines are snapping to the sash.
After you complete the sketch, notice lock icons display on the interior horizontal edges of the sash. 25 Click both of the locks so the mullion adapts to changes in window height.
26 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 27 Add a horizontal dimension from the left edge of the mullion extrusion to the reference plane centered between the vertical mullion extrusion sketch lines, and to the right edge of the mullion extrusion. Click the EQ symbol to make both horizontal dimensions equal. Move the dimension values as shown.
28 Add a horizontal dimension from the left edge to the right edge of the mullion extrusion, and place it above the dimension you placed in the previous steps.
29 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the dimension you added in the previous step. 30 On the Options Bar, select <Add parameter> for Label. 31 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, specify the following parameters:

For Parameter Type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Mullion Width for Name. Under Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Type. Click OK.
Move the Mullion Width value to the left as shown.
32 Repeat the previous steps to create an identical mullion centered on the right vertical reference plane as shown. Remember, follow these basic steps:
Sketch the rectangle similar to the mullion on the left. NOTE Do not lock the lines to the sash edge as you did previously.
Dimension mullion edges and the reference plane at the center of the mullion and click the equality constraint. Add a dimension between the left and right mullion edges. Select the dimension, and on the Options Bar, select Mullion Width for Label.
Do not be concerned with the value of the mullion width. This is changed in later steps. 33 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
Specify the mullion width parameter

34 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. Move the dialog box off to the side so you can see the window in the drawing area. 35 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 40 mm for Mullion Width, and click Apply.
Notice the mullions remain centered and equally spaced on the reference planes.

36 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Notice the window adapts to the new dimension parameters, and the mullions stretch with the new window height.
NOTE After flexing the model, it is important to verify that all model elements adapted to the changes as expected. In this case, you should pay close attention to the new mullions and make sure they remain centered, evenly spaced, and aligned with the sash edge. You should flex the model at regular intervals to catch problems early. Most problems can be resolved by aligning and locking lines, or undoing the same. 37 In the Family Types dialog box, return the window to its original dimensions:

Sketch the horizontal mullion extrusions

38 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 39 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 40 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Reference Plane : Glazing for Name, and click OK. 41 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 42 On the Options Bar, click .
Notice the Depth value on the Options Bar remains at the previously specified value. 43 Sketch a rectangle centered on the upper horizontal mullion reference plane approximately as shown, and then click the lock icons to lock the left and right edges to the edge of the sash.
44 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 45 Add a vertical dimension from the top edge of the mullion extrusion to the reference plane at the center of the mullion, and then to the bottom edge of the mullion extrusion. Click the EQ symbol to make both vertical dimensions equal, and move the EQ values off to each side as shown.
46 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 47 Add a vertical dimension from the top edge to the bottom edge of the mullion extrusion, as shown. Do not be concerned with the dimension value.
48 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the dimension you added in the previous step. 49 On the Options Bar, select Mullion Width for Label. Move the dimension value as shown.
50 Repeat the previous steps to create an identical mullion centered on the lower horizontal reference plane as shown. Remember, follow these basic steps:
Sketch the rectangle similar to the mullion you just completed.
NOTE Do not lock the lines to the sash edge as you did previously.
Dimension mullion edges and the reference plane at the center of the mullion and click the equality constraint. Add a dimension between the upper and lower mullion edges. Select the dimension, and on the Options Bar, select Mullion Width for Label.
The horizontal mullion extrusions are now complete.
Join the mullion geometry

52 On the Tools menu, click Join Geometry. 53 Select the horizontal mullions, and select the vertical mullions.
54 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1. If necessary, spin the model to get a good view of the mullions.
Notice the mullion extrusions are joined.

55 Adjust the location of the window model within the drawing area, so when you open the Family Types dialog box, you can still see the window. 56 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 57 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Notice the window adapts to the new dimension parameters and the mullions stretch with the new window height.
58 In the Family Types dialog box, return the window to its original dimensions:

59 Proceed to the next exercise, Assigning Materials to the Window Components on page 461.
Assigning Materials to the Window Components

In this exercise, you assign materials to the frame, sash, and mullions that you want to display in renderings of the new window.
Assigning Materials to the Window Components | 461
Create a new material based on the existing yellow pine material

1 On the Settings menu, click Materials. 2 In the Materials dialog box, click Duplicate. 3 In the New Material dialog box, enter Pine Frame for Name, and click OK. 4 In the Materials dialog box, under AccuRender, click for Texture.
5 In the Material Library dialog box, navigate to AccuRender/Wood/Pine, Yellow/, select Stained, Dark, No Gloss, and click OK. 6 In the Materials dialog box, click OK.
Assign the Pine Frame material to the frame, sash, and mullions
7 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Exterior. 8 On the View Control Bar, click the Model Graphics Style control, and select Shading with Edges. 9 Select the window frame sweep, the sash, and the mullions. TIP Hold the CTRL key down as you select the sweep and various extrusions.
11 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Identity Data, select Frame/Mullion for Subcategory. 12 Under Materials and Finishes, click for Material.
13 In the Materials dialog box, select Pine Frame for Name, and click OK. 14 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Graphics, select Edit for Visibility. 15 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog box, under View Specific Display, select Front/Back and When cut in Plan/RCP (if category permits); clear the other view options. 16 Under Detail Levels, verify that Coarse, Medium, and Fine are selected, and click OK. 17 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. The window frame is assigned the new Pine Frame material. 18 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Modify the glass visibility

19 In the Project Browser under Elevations, double-click Right. 20 Select the glass extrusion. 21 On the Options Bar, click Visibility. 22 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog box, under View Specific Display, select Front/Back and When cut in Plan/RCP (if category permits). 23 Under Detail Levels, verify that Coarse, Medium, and Fine are selected, and click OK. 24 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1.
25 Zoom in on a window corner.
Assigning Materials to the Window Components | 463
The window frame, sash, mullions, and glass display their assigned materials. 26 Proceed to the next exercise, Defining New Window Types on page 464.
Defining New Window Types

In this exercise, you define new window types based on the window model that you just created. You begin by adding a formula to the mullion offset parameter to specify horizontal divisions of one third the overall height of the window. You then create multiple window types that will be available to the user after the family is loaded into a project.
Add a mullion offset formula to the family type

1 Zoom to fit and move the window model off the side of the drawing area so it will be visible after you open the Family Types dialog box. 2 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 3 In the Family Types dialog box, enter Height/3 in the Formula column for Mullion Offset, and click Apply. The horizontal mullions are now spaced apart at one third the height of the window.

4 In addition to flexing the model after the addition or modification of model geometry, it is also a good idea to flex the model after a new formula is applied. In the Family Types dialog box, enter 2000 mm for Height, and click Apply.
The window height is doubled, but the one third height spacing is maintained in the horizontal mullions. 5 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 1000 mm for Height, and click Apply.
Define new window types with various heights and widths

6 In the Family Types dialog box, under Family Types, click New. 7 In the Name dialog box, enter 2500 w x 1250mm h for Name, and click OK. 8 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following parameter values:

Enter 2500 mm for Width. Enter 1250 mm for Height. Click Apply.
Defining New Window Types | 465
9 Under Family Types, click New. 10 In the Name dialog box, enter 2600 w x 1300mm h for Name, and click OK. 11 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following parameter values:

Enter 2600 mm for Width. Enter 1300 mm for Height. Click Apply.
Define the final window type

12 Under Family Types, click New. 13 In the Name dialog box, enter 1800 w x 1500mm h for Name and click OK. 14 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following parameter values:

Enter 1800 mm for Width. Enter 1500 mm for Height. Click Apply. Click OK.
You now have three new window types defined within your window family. 15 On the File menu, click Save. 16 Navigate to the location of your choice and save the new window family with the name, Training Window.rfa.
Load the new window family into a new project

17 On the Standard toolbar, click to start a new project based on your default template.
18 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Window. 19 On the Options Bar, click Load. 20 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location of your Training Window.rfa file, select it, and click Open.
Place new window types in the project

21 On the Design Bar, click Wall. 22 Draw a generic wall segment 12000 mm long.
23 On the Design Bar, click Window. 24 On the Options Bar, clear Tag on Placement. 25 In the Type Selector, select Training Window : 1800 w x 1500mm h. 26 Add the window to the left side of the wall.
27 In the Type Selector, select Training Window : 2500 w x 1250mm h. 28 Add this window to the center of the wall. 29 In the Type Selector, select Training Window :2600 w x 1300mm h. 30 Add the third window to the right side of the wall.
31 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 32 On the View menu, click Thin Lines. 33 Zoom in on the center window. Notice the detail that displays. This is because you set the visibility values to display when cut in plan/RCP.
35 On the View Control Bar, click the Model Graphics Style control, and select Shading with Edges.
Defining New Window Types | 467
You have three new fixed nine-light windows based on a new window family prototype. This completes the Creating a Window Family lesson.
Creating a Furniture Family

In this lesson, you create a custom furniture family based on the definition of a rolltop desk. You begin by creating the desktop, drawer base, rolltop, and drawers as extrusions. You then assign parameters to the furniture family to allow for the creation of different-sized versions of the prototype.
Finally, you assign new dimension values to the furniture to create new types within the furniture family, and specify values for the furniture length and depth.
Specifying the New Rolltop Desk Parameters

In this exercise, you add reference planes and specify the parameters for the new rolltop desk furniture family.
Create a new family based on the default furniture template

1 Close all open projects or families. 2 On the File menu, click New Family. 3 In the left pane of the New dialog box, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates\ Metric Furniture.rft. 4 Maximize the view, Floor Plan: Ref. Level. 5 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom to Fit.
The reference planes that display are part of the default furniture template; they represent the furniture centerline axes.
Draw additional horizontal and vertical reference planes

6 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. NOTE When you draw the reference planes, their exact location is not critical. Precise dimensions are assigned to the reference planes in subsequent steps. 7 Draw two horizontal reference planes, one above and one below the existing horizontal centerline reference plane as shown.
8 Draw two vertical reference planes, one to the left and one to the right of the existing vertical centerline reference plane as shown.
Specifying the New Rolltop Desk Parameters | 469
Dimension the reference planes

9 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 10 Near the bottom of the drawing area, add a horizontal dimension string beginning at the left reference plane, proceeding to the centerline reference plane, and ending at the right reference plane, as shown. Click the EQ icon to make the segments equal.
11 Add an overall horizontal dimension underneath the dimension you just added. It should reference the left reference plane and the right reference plane as shown.
12 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 13 Select the left reference plane. 14 Change the horizontal dimension to 2000 mm.
15 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 16 On the right side of the drawing area, add a vertical dimension string beginning at the upper reference plane, proceeding to the centerline reference plane, and ending at the lower reference plane, as shown. Click the EQ symbol to make both segments equal.
17 To the right of the dimension you just created, add an overall vertical dimension from the upper reference plane to the lower reference plane, as shown.
18 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 19 Select the upper, horizontal reference plane. 20 Change the vertical dimension to 1000 mm.
21 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 22 Clean up the extents of the reference planes and the dimension witness lines as shown. TIP To do this, select each reference plane and drag the extents to the new position. Afterwards, select each dimension and drag the witness line controls as needed.
Add length and depth family parameters

23 Select the 2000 mm dimension. 24 On the Options Bar, select <Add parameter...> for Label. 25 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, specify the following:

Under Parameter type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Length for Name. For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Type. Click OK.
26 Select the 1000 mm dimension. 27 On the Options Bar, select <Add parameter...> for Label. 28 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, specify the following:

Under Parameter type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Depth for Name. For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Type. Click OK.
These reference planes will be the skeleton that you snap the solid geometry to. Therefore, you should flex the design now to ensure the reference planes and labelled dimensions adapt to changes as expected.
Flex the design

29 Adjust the location of the reference planes within the drawing area, so when you open the Family Types dialog box, you can still see the model. 30 On the Design Bar, click Family Types.
31 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 3000 mm for Length. Enter 1500 mm for Depth. Click Apply.
Notice the reference planes adapt to the new dimension parameters. When the solid geometry is snapped to the reference planes, it will also adapt to the same changes.
32 In the Family Types dialog box, return the parameters to their original values:

Under Dimensions, enter 2000 mm for Length. Enter 1000 mm for Depth. Click Apply. Click OK.
33 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Desktop Solid Geometry on page 475.
Creating the Desktop Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the desktop with an extrusion. Dataset Continue using the family file from the previous exercise.
Create the desktop using an extrusion

1 On the Design Bar, click Symbolic Lines. 2 On the Options Bar, click .
3 Select the upper left reference plane intersection for the first corner of the rectangle, and then select the lower right reference plane intersection for the second corner of the rectangle. NOTE In the image below, the symbolic line thickness was modified for training purposes. Your lines may have a lighter weight.
Creating the Desktop Solid Geometry | 475
4 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 5 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 6 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Level: Ref. Level for Name, and click OK. 7 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 8 On the Options Bar, click , and enter 100 mm for Depth.
9 Move the cursor over one of the symbolic lines, press TAB until the chain of lines is offered as a selection option, and click to select all four symbolic lines.
10 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 11 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front.
The desktop extrusion extends 100 mm above the reference level.
Move the desktop up

12 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 13 Move the cursor over the top edge of the desktop, press TAB until Extrusion : Shape handle displays in the Status Bar, and select the top edge.
14 Drag the top edge of the desktop upward until the temporary dimension value is 750 mm.
15 Move the cursor over the bottom edge of the desktop, press TAB until Extrusion : Shape handle displays in the Status Bar, and select the bottom edge. 16 Drag the bottom edge of the desktop up until the desktop is 100 mm thick.
Add height and thickness dimensions

17 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 18 Add a vertical dimension from the reference level to the top edge of the desktop, as shown.
19 Add a vertical dimension from the bottom of the desktop to the top edge.
Add height and thickness family parameters

20 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 21 Select the 750 mm dimension. 22 On the Options Bar, select <Add parameter...> for Label. 23 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, specify the following:

Under Parameter type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Height for Name.
Creating the Desktop Solid Geometry | 477
For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Type. Click OK.
24 Select the 100 mm dimension. 25 On the Options Bar, select <Add parameter...> for Label. 26 n the Parameter Properties dialog box, specify the following:

Under Parameter type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Thickness for Name. For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Type. Click OK.
Flex the design

28 Adjust the location of the model within the drawing area, so when you open the Family Types dialog box, you can still see the model. 29 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 30 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 4000 mm for Length, and click Apply. Enter 1200 mm for Height, and click Apply. Enter 150 mm for Thickness, and click Apply.
Notice the desk top adapts to the new dimension parameters. 31 In the Family Types dialog box, return the parameters to their original values:

Under Dimensions, enter 2000 mm for Length. Enter 750 mm for Height. Enter 100 mm for Thickness. Click Apply. Click OK.
32 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Desk Drawer Base Solid Geometry on page 478.
Creating the Desk Drawer Base Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the desk drawer base.
Offset two reference planes to locate the first drawer base corner
1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level. 2 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 3 On the Options Bar, click , and enter 100 mm for Offset.
4 Move the cursor over the left vertical reference plane, and click to locate a new vertical reference plane offset 100 mm to the right.
5 Move the cursor over the upper horizontal reference plane, and click to locate a new horizontal reference plane offset 100 mm below it.
6 On the Design Bar, click Dimension.
Creating the Desk Drawer Base Solid Geometry | 479
7 Add a dimension referencing the left vertical reference plane and the offset plane you added. Click the lock icon as shown.
8 Add a dimension to the top horizontal reference plane and the offset plane below it. Lock the dimension as shown.
Sketch the left drawer base

9 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 10 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 11 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Level: Ref. Level for Name, and click OK. 12 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 13 On the Options Bar, click .
14 Select the intersection of the new offset reference planes for the first corner of the rectangle, and then specify a point 300 mm to the right and 800 mm down for the second corner of the rectangle, as shown.
After you complete the rectangle, two lock icons display. 15 Click both of the lock icons to lock the edges of the extrusion to the reference planes.
16 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 17 Add a vertical dimension from the lower reference plane to the lower edge of the drawer base, and then click the lock icon to lock the dimension.
Mirror the left rectangle to create the right drawer base

18 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 19 Select the four sketched lines. TIP You can select multiple elements by holding the CTRL key down. You can also highlight the entire line chain, using the TAB key.
20 On the Tools toolbar, click the Mirror tool,
21 Select the vertical centerline reference plane as the mirror axis.
A duplicate of the left drawer base is mirrored to create the right drawer base.
22 On the Tools toolbar, click
23 For the align-to reference, select the horizontal reference plane second from the top, as shown below at the cursor.
24 Select the top horizontal line of the right drawer extrusion as shown.
A lock icon displays. 25 Click the lock icon to lock the extrusion edge to the reference plane.
26 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 27 Add and lock the following two dimensions to the right drawer extrusion:
Add a dimension from the right vertical reference plane to the right edge of the drawer base, and then click the lock icon to lock the dimension.
Add a dimension from the lower reference plane to the lower edge of the drawer base, and then click the lock icon to lock the dimension.
28 Add two final dimensions, one on each extrusion that references the width of the drawer base, as shown.
29 Select the dimension referring to the drawer width on the left extrusion. 30 On the Options Bar, select <Add parameter...> for Label. 31 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, specify the following:

Under Parameter type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Drawer Base Width for Name. For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Type. Click OK.
32 Select the dimension referring to the drawer width on the right extrusion. 33 On the Options Bar, select Drawer Base Width for Label. 34 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Extend the drawer base extrusions up to the desktop

36 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front.
38 Select the lower edge of the desktop as the align-to reference.
39 Select the upper edge of the drawer base. After the alignment, a lock icon displays; click it to lock the alignment.
40 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 41 On the View toolbar, click .
The solid geometry for the desk drawer base is now complete. However, notice that annotations display in this view. 42 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 43 Click the Annotation Categories tab. 44 Clear Show annotation categories in this view, and click OK. 45 On the View Control Bar, click the Scale control and select 1:20.
Flex the design

46 Adjust the location of the model within the drawing area so when you open the Family Types dialog box, you can still see the model. 47 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 48 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 4000 mm for Length, and click Apply. Enter 1200 mm for Height, and click Apply. Enter 150 mm for Thickness, and click Apply.
Notice the desk adapts to the new dimension parameters. 49 In the Family Types dialog box, return the parameters to their original values:

Under Dimensions, enter 2000 mm for Length. Enter 750 mm for Height. Enter 100 mm for Thickness. Click Apply. Click OK.
50 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Rolltop Solid Geometry on page 487.
Creating the Rolltop Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the desk rolltop.
Creating the Rolltop Solid Geometry | 487
Create the rolltop extrusion

1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Right.
2 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 3 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 4 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Reference Plane: Center (Left\Right) for Name, and click OK. 5 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 6 On the Options Bar, click .
7 Sketch the rectangle beginning at the intersection of the desktop and the right reference plane, then move the cursor up 300mm and to the left 400mm, and click to specify the upper left corner, as shown.
9 Select the desk top, then the lower horizontal sketch line, and click the lock icon to lock the alignment.
10 Select the right vertical edge of the desktop extrusion, then select the right parallel sketch line, and lock the alignment.
11 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 12 Add one dimension referring to both vertical sketch lines, and lock it. Add another dimension to both horizontal sketch lines, and lock it.
13 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 14 On the Options Bar, click the Fillet arc tool, .
TIP You may need to click the down arrow button, and then select the fillet arc tool from the menu. 15 Select the left vertical sketch line, the upper sketch line, and then move the cursor down and to the right until you create and arc similar to the image below. Do not be concerned with the precise dimension of the arc radius.
The rolltop extrusion outline is complete.
Align the left and right edges of the rolltop with the drawer bases
19 Select the left edge of the left drawer base, select the left edge of the rolltop, and click the lock icon.
20 Select the right edge of the right drawer base, select the right edge of the rolltop, and click the lock icon.
The solid geometry of the rolltop is now complete.
Flex the design

22 Adjust the location of the desk model within the drawing area so when you open the Family Types dialog box, you can still see the model. 23 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 24 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 4000 mm for Length, and click Apply. Enter 1500 mm for Depth, and click Apply. Enter 1500 mm for Height, and click Apply. Enter 200 mm for Thickness, and click Apply.
The desk should adapt to all the changes. If not, you may need to align and lock problematic edges that did not remain aligned. You can also use dimension constraints.
25 In the Family Types dialog box, return the parameters to their original values:

Under Dimensions, enter 2000 mm for Length. Enter 1000 mm for Depth. Enter 750 mm for Height. Enter 100 mm for Thickness. Click Apply. Click OK.
26 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Drawers Solid Geometry on page 493.
Creating the Drawers Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you create the solid geometry of the drawers and apply material to the desk.
Create the desk drawer extrusions

1 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 2 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 3 In the Work Plane dialog box, under Specify a new Work Plane, select Pick a Plane, and click OK. 4 Select the front plane of the right drawer base.
Creating the Drawers Solid Geometry | 493
5 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 6 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 7 On the Options Bar, click .
8 Sketch six drawers similar to the image below.
NOTE The exact configuration of the rectangles representing the drawer fronts is not critical. 9 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 10 Add a dimension between the vertical edges of the drawer base and the vertical lines of each bottom drawer. Lock each dimension as you add it. There should be four dimensions as shown.
NOTE Adding and locking these dimensions is very important. If you modify the desk length or the drawer base width, these locked dimension assure that the drawers flex as expected. If you cannot see the locks on the dimensions, zoom the view until you do.
12 On the Options Bar, select Multiple Alignment. 13 To constrain the four upper drawers, select the left vertical line on the left lowest drawer first, and then select the corresponding left vertical lines of the two drawers above it. After selecting the line of an upper drawer, click the lock that displays to lock the alignment. 14 On the Tools toolbar, click drawer set on the left. , and repeat the previous step by selecting the right vertical lines of the
, and repeat the previous two steps on the right set of drawers.
These steps ensure the top drawers remain aligned and flex with the constrained bottom drawer. 16 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 17 On the Design Bar, click Extrusion Properties. 18 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Constraints, enter 20mm for Extrusion End, and click OK. 19 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 20 On the View toolbar, click .
Apply material to the desk

21 Draw a pick box around the entire desk to select all the extrusions. 22 On the Options Bar, click . for Material.
23 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Materials and Finishes, click 24 In the Materials dialog box, click Duplicate.
25 In the New Material dialog box, enter Desk - Wood, Cherry, and click OK. 26 In the Materials dialog box, under AccuRender, click for Texture.
27 In the Material Library dialog box, navigate to AccuRender/Wood/Cherry and select Stained, Dark, Polished. 28 Click OK. 29 In the Materials dialog box, click OK. 30 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 31 On the View Control Bar, click the Model Graphics Style control, and select Shading with Edges.
Creating the Drawers Solid Geometry | 495
Flex the design

32 Adjust the location of the desk model within the drawing area so when you open the Family Types dialog box, you can still see the model. 33 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 34 In the Family Types dialog box, do the following:

Under Dimensions, enter 4000 mm for Length, and click Apply. Enter 1500 mm for Depth, and click Apply. Enter 200 mm for Thickness, and click Apply.
The desk should adapt to all the changes. If not, you may need to align and lock problematic edges that did not remain aligned. You can also use dimension constraints. 35 In the Family Types dialog box, return the parameters to their original values:

Under Dimensions, enter 2000 mm for Length. Enter 1000 mm for Depth. Enter 750 mm for Height. Enter 100 mm for Thickness. Click Apply. Click OK.
36 Proceed with the final exercise in this lesson, Defining New Furniture Types on page 496.
Defining New Furniture Types

In this exercise, you define new furniture types based on the rolltop desk model that you just created.
Define new furniture types with various widths and depths

1 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 2 In the Family Types dialog box, under Family Types, click New. 3 In the Name dialog box, enter Rolltop Desk 2000 x 1000mm for Name, and click OK. 4 In the Family Types dialog box, verify that Length is 2000 mm and Depth is 1000 mm, and click Apply. 5 Under Family Types, click New. 6 In the Name dialog box, enter Rolltop Desk 2100 x 1100mm for Name, and click OK. 7 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 2100 mm for Length and 1100 mm for Depth, and click Apply. 8 Under Family Types, click New. 9 In the Name dialog box, enter Rolltop Desk 2250 x 1250mm for Name, and click OK. 10 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 2250 mm for Length and 1250 mm for Depth, click Apply, and click OK. You now have three new furniture types defined within your furniture family. 11 On the File menu, click Save. 12 Navigate to the folder of your choice and save the new furniture family project with the name, Training Furniture.rfa.
Load the new furniture family into a new project

13 On the Standard toolbar, click 14 On the View toolbar, click . to start a new project based on your default template.
15 On the View Control Bar, click the Model Graphics Style control and select Shading with Edges. 16 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Component. 17 On the Options Bar, click Load. 18 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location of your Training Furniture.rfa file, select it, and click Open. 19 In the Type Selector, select Rolltop Desk 200 x 1000mm. 20 Specify a point in the drawing area to add the first desk.
Defining New Furniture Types | 497
21 In the Type Selector, select Rolltop Desk 2100 x 1100mm. 22 Specify a point to the right of the first desk, and add the second desk.
23 In the Type Selector, select Rolltop Desk 2250 x 1250mm. 24 Specify a point in the drawing area to the right of the previous two desks, and click to add the third desk.
You now have three new rolltop desks based on the new rolltop desk furniture family prototype. This completes the Creating a Furniture Family lesson.
Creating a Baluster Family

In this lesson, you create a custom baluster and apply it to a set of stair railings. Balusters are simply profile extrusions with an assigned height family parameter.
Drawing a Baluster
In this exercise, you draw a baluster with an extrusion.
Dataset

On the File menu, click New Family. In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files and navigate to the Metric Templates folder. Select Metric Baluster.rft, and click Open.
Create a new family based on the default profile template

1 Expand the left elevation view. 2 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom All to Fit.
The reference planes that display are part of the default baluster template. The bottom of the baluster is at the reference level and the baluster has an assigned default height of 750mm. Top and bottom cut angles for the baluster are also displayed.
Draw the baluster plan profile

3 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Ref. Level.
4 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 5 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 6 In the Work Plane dialog box, select Ref. Level for Name, and click OK. 7 On the Design Bar, click Lines. NOTE When you draw the closed profile lines and arcs, their exact location is not critical. However, the baluster profile should be centered on the vertical and horizontal reference planes. Draw your profile approximately 30mm wide by 60mm deep. 8 Draw the closed baluster plan profile as shown.
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Extend the baluster extrusion to the top reference plane

10 In the Project Browser under Elevations, double-click Front.
By default, the extrusion has a height of 250mm. 11 On the Design Bar, click Modify and select the extrusion. 12 On the Options Bar, click .
13 Select the top reference plane and select the top edge of the extrusion. 14 Click the lock icon.
15 Save the new baluster family with the name Training Baluster.rfa. The new custom baluster is now complete.
Assigning the New Baluster to a Stair Run

In this exercise, you assign the new baluster that you just created to a stair run.
Load the new baluster family into a new project

1 On the File menu, click New Project. 2 In the New Project dialog box, click Browse, and in the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files. Navigate to the Metric Templates folder. Select the DefaultMetric.rte file, and click Open. In the New Project Dialog box, click OK.
Draw a straight stair run

3 On the Design Bar, click the Modelling tab. 4 On the Design Bar, click Stairs. 5 Draw a straight stair run as shown.
7 On the File menu, click Load from Library Load Family. 8 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location of your Training Baluster.rfa file, select it, and click Open. 9 On the View toolbar, click .
10 On the View menu, click Orient Southwest. 11 On the View menu, click Shading with Edges.
Apply the custom baluster to the stair run

12 On the Design Bar, click Modify and select the existing railing. 13 On the Options Bar, click .
14 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 15 In the Type Properties dialog box, click Edit for Baluster Placement. 16 In the Edit Baluster Placement dialog box, under Baluster Family, select Training Baluster : Training Baluster for the Regular baluster.
17 Clear Use Balusters Per Tread on Stairs. 18 Specify Start and End posts as Training Baluster. 19 Click OK. 20 In the Type Properties dialog box, click OK. 21 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 22 Zoom in on the new balusters.
Assigning the New Baluster to a Stair Run | 501
The stair run is now assigned the new baluster that you created. This completes the Creating a Baluster Family lesson.
Creating Profile Families

A profile is a series of closed two-dimensional lines and arcs. Use profiles to define object cross sections such as railings, balusters, soffits, cornices, and other sweep-defined objects. Create profiles to define frequently used shapes in your details. In this lesson, you create five different profiles: a sweep, a railing, a stair nosing, a reveal, and a host sweep. You then create an in-place sweep based on a 2D path and apply the host sweep to a wall.
Drawing a Sweep Profile

In this exercise, you draw a sweep profile. Dataset

On the File menu, click New Family. In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files, and navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select Metric Profile.rft, and click Open.
Create a new family based on the default profile template

1 On the Design Bar, click Lines. NOTE When you draw the closed profile lines and arcs, their exact location is not critical. However, the sweep profile should begin at the reference plane intersection. 2 Starting at the reference plane intersection, draw the sweep profile with line and arc segments as shown.
3 Save the new profile family with the name Profile - Sweep.rfa. The new sweep profile is now complete.
Drawing a Rail Profile

In this exercise, you create a rail profile.
Dataset

On the File menu, click New Family. In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files, and navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select Metric Profile-Rail.rft, and click Open.
Create a new family based on the default rail profile template

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, verify that Ref. Level is open. The reference planes that display are part of the default rail profile template, with the vertical reference plane labeled as the rail centerline and the horizontal reference plane labeled as the rail top. The rail height is measured from the floor elevation to the rail top.
Draw the rail profile

2 On the Design Bar, click Lines. NOTE When you draw the closed profile lines and arcs, their exact location is not critical. However, the top of the rail profile should coincide with the rail top reference plane. 3 Starting at the reference plane intersection, draw the rail profile with line segments as shown.
4 Save the new profile family with the name Profile - Rail.rfa. The new rail profile is now complete.
Drawing a Stair Nosing Profile

In this exercise, you create a stair nosing profile. Dataset
On the File menu, click New Family.
Drawing a Stair Nosing Profile | 503
In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files, and navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select Metric Profile-Stair Nosing.rft, and click Open.
Create a new family based on the default stair nosing profile template
1 Notice the existing planes and text provided within the template. The reference planes that display are part of the default stair nosing profile template, with the vertical reference plane labeled as the riser face and the horizontal reference plane labeled as the tread surface. Additional text specifies the lower-left quadrant as the location for the stair nosing.
Draw the stair nosing profile

2 On the Design Bar, click Lines. NOTE When you draw the closed profile lines and arcs, their exact location is not critical. However, you must draw the stair nosing in the lower-left quadrant. In addition, the top of the stair nosing profile should coincide with the tread surface reference plane and the right edge of the stair nosing profile should coincide with the riser face reference plane. 3 Starting at the reference plane intersection, draw the stair nosing profile with line and arc segments as shown.
4 Save the new profile family with the name Profile - Stair Nosing.rfa. The new stair nosing profile is now complete.
Drawing a Reveal Profile

In this exercise, you create a reveal profile. Reveal profiles are used with the Reveal tool in the project environment to define a wall cutout. Dataset

On the File menu, click New Family. In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files, and navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select Metric Profile-Reveal.rft, and click Open.
Create a new family based on the default reveal profile template

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, verify that Ref. Level is open. The reference planes that display are part of the default reveal profile template, with the vertical reference plane labeled as the wall face, and the wall body indicated to the right of the wall face reference plane. The horizontal reference plane represents the offset from floor level to the reveal.
Draw the reveal profile

2 On the Design Bar, click Lines. NOTE When you draw the closed profile lines, their exact location is not critical. However, the left edge of the reveal profile must coincide with wall face reference plane and the reveal must be drawn within the wall body (to the right of the wall face reference plane). 3 Starting at the reference plane intersection, draw the reveal profile with line segments as shown.
4 Save the new profile family with the name Profile - Reveal.rfa. The new reveal profile is now complete.
Drawing a Host Sweep Profile

In this exercise, you create a host sweep profile. Host Sweep profiles are similar to reveal profiles and are used with the Host Sweep tool in the project environment to define a shape to add to a host surface, which may be any vertical surface. Dataset

On the File menu, click New Family. In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files, and navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select Metric Profile-Hosted.rft, and click Open.
Create a new family based on the default host sweep profile template
1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, verify that Ref. Level is open.
Drawing a Host Sweep Profile | 505
The reference planes that display are part of the default host sweep profile template, with the vertical reference plane labeled as the host face and the host body indicated to the left of the host face reference plane. The reference plane intersection is the origin of the host sweep profile.
Draw the host sweep profile

2 On the Design Bar, click Lines. NOTE When you draw the closed profile lines, their exact location is not critical. However, the left edge of the host sweep profile must coincide with the host face reference plane, and the host sweep profile must be drawn outside of the host body (to the right of the host face reference plane). 3 Starting at the reference plane intersection, draw the reveal profile with line and arc segments as shown.
4 Save the new profile family with the name Profile - Host Sweep.rfa. The new host sweep profile is now complete.
Applying a Sweep Profile to a 2D Path

In this exercise, you apply the sweep profile that you just created to a 2D path.
Create a new project

1 On the File menu, click New Project. 2 In the New Project dialog box, click Browse, and in the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files. Navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select the DefaultMetric.rte file, and click Open. In the New Project Dialog box, click OK.
Specify the family category

3 On the Modelling menu, click Create.
4 In the Family Category and Parameters dialog box, select Generic Models for Family Category, and click OK. 5 In the Name dialog box, enter Sweep for Name, and click OK.
Sketch the 2D sweep path

6 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Sweep. 7 On the Design Bar, click Sketch 2D Path. NOTE When you sketch the 2D path, the exact location of the path is not critical. 8 On the Design Bar, click Lines and sketch the 2D path approximately as shown.
9 On the Design Bar, click Finish Path.
Apply the sweep profile to the 2D path

10 On the Options Bar, click Load Profiles. 11 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location of Profile - Sweep.rfa, select it, and click Open. 12 In the Type Selector, beside Load Profiles, select Profile - Sweep. 13 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sweep. 14 On the Design Bar, click Finish Family. 15 On the View toolbar, click .
Modify the sweep profile configuration

16 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Elevations, and double-click South.
17 Zoom in on the right end of the sweep.
Applying a Sweep Profile to a 2D Path | 507
18 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 19 Draw a vertical reference plane coincident with the left edge of the profile as shown.
20 Select the sweep profile and, on the Options Bar, click Edit. 21 Select the sweep profile again and, on the Options Bar, click 22 In the Element Properties dialog box, do the following:

Under Constraints, enter 600 for Vertical Profile Offset. Enter 25 degrees for Angle. Under Other, select Profile Is Flipped.
23 Click OK. 24 On the Design Bar, click Finish Family.
The sweep profile application is now complete.
Applying a Host Sweep Profile to Walls

In this exercise, you apply the host sweep profile that you created to a group of walls.
Create a new project

1 On the File menu, click New Project. 2 In the New Project dialog box, click Browse, and in the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files. Navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select the DefaultMetric.rte file, and click Open. In the New Project Dialog box, click OK.
Draw a wall group

3 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Wall.
NOTE When you draw the walls, their exact location is not critical. 4 Draw four walls as shown.
6 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Host Sweep Wall Sweep. 7 On the Options Bar, verify that Horizontal is selected. 8 Select a point on the left wall for the wall sweep.
9 Select a point on the right wall for the next wall sweep.
Applying a Host Sweep Profile to Walls | 509
Replace the default wall sweep with the new host wall sweep
11 On the File menu, click Load from Library Load Family. 12 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location of Profile - Host Sweep.rfa, select it, and click Open. 13 Select the wall sweep and, on the Options Bar, click 14 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 15 In the Type Properties dialog box, under Construction, select Profile - Host Sweep : Profile - Host Sweep for Profile, and click OK. 16 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 17 On the View toolbar, click . .
18 In the Dynamic View dialog box, click Spin [Shift]. 19 Move the cursor to rotate your viewpoint to view the host sweep from underneath.
The default wall sweep is replaced with your host sweep profile. This completes the Creating Profile Families lesson.
Creating a Room Tag

In this lesson, you create a room tag which displays room name, floor and ceiling finish, and area with labels added to extract project data.
Specifying Room Tag Parameters

In this exercise, you specify the room tag parameters. Dataset

On the File menu, click New Annotation Symbol. In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files, and navigate to the Metric Templates folder. Select M_Room Tag.rft, and click Open.
Create a new tag based on the default room tag template

1 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom All to Fit.
The reference planes that display are part of the default room tag template.
Edit the 3mm label

2 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Label. 3 On the Options Bar, click .
4 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 5 In the Type Properties dialog box, select Underline, and click OK.
Add a 2mm label

6 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 7 In the Type properties dialog box, click Duplicate. 8 In the Name dialog box, enter 2mm for Name, and click OK. 9 In the Type Properties dialog box, enter 2 for the Text Size parameter, clear Underline, and click OK. 10 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK.
Combine labels into a room tag

11 On the Design Bar, click Label. 12 In the Type Selector, verify that Label : 3mm is displayed. 13 On the Options Bar, verify that Center and Middle are selected for Text Alignment. 14 Specify the location for the first label as shown.
15 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Name, and click OK. 16 Zoom in on the label.
The name label is displayed with the text underlined. 17 In the Type Selector, select Label : 2mm. 18 Specify a point below the Name label for the next label location. 19 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Floor Finish, and click OK.
20 Specify a point below the Floor Finish label for the next label location. 21 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Ceiling Finish, and click OK.
22 Specify a point below the Ceiling Finish label for the last label location. 23 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Area, and click OK.
Specifying Room Tag Parameters | 511
The Area label has a predefined value of 150 SF. 24 Save the new room tag with the name Finish Area Tag.rfa. The new room tag is now ready for use. This completes the Creating a Room Tag lesson.
Creating an Annotation Symbol

In this lesson, you create a custom north arrow annotation symbol and place it in a new project.
Creating a Custom North Arrow Annotation Symbol

In this exercise, you create a custom north arrow annotation symbol with a circle and lines. Dataset

On the File menu, click New Annotation Symbol. In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files, and navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select Generic Annotation.rft, and click Open.
Create a new annotation symbol based on the default generic annotation template
1 In the Project Browser, notice that there is only one view available. The reference planes that display are part of the default generic annotation template. Notes included with the template specify annotation parameters.
Sketch a north arrow symbol

2 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 3 On the Options Bar, click .
4 Specify the reference plane intersection for the circle center point.
5 Drag the cursor and specify a radius of 8mm.
7 Draw a horizontal line from the left side to the right side of the circle through the center point.
8 Draw a vertical line from the top to the center point of the circle.
9 Draw a vertical line from the center point to the bottom of the circle.
Creating a Custom North Arrow Annotation Symbol | 513
10 On the Design Bar, click Modify. The new north arrow annotation symbol is ready to edit.
Add an annotation objects subcategory

11 On the Settings menu, click Object Styles. 12 In the Object Styles dialog box, under Modify Subcategories, click New. 13 In the New Subcategory dialog box, enter North Line for Name, verify that Generic Annotations is selected for Subcategory of, and click OK. 14 In the Object Styles dialog box, in the North Line row, select 3 for Line Weight, and click OK.
Apply the new line weight to the upper vertical line

15 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the upper vertical line. 16 In the Type Selector, select North Line. 17 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
18 Select the template notes and press DELETE. The north arrow annotation symbol is now complete. 19 Save the new north arrow with the name, Training North Arrow.rfa.
Adding the New North Arrow to a Project

In this exercise, you add the new north arrow annotation symbol that you created to a project.
Load the new north arrow into a new project

1 On the File menu, click New Project. 2 In the New Project dialog box, click Browse, and in the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files. Navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select the DefaultMetric.rte file, and click Open. In the New Project Dialog box, click OK. 3 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Sheet. 4 In the Select a Titleblock dialog box, select A1 metric. 5 Click OK. 6 Zoom in on the lower right corner of the sheet. 7 On the File menu, click Load from Library Load Family. 8 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location of Training North Arrow.rfa, select it, and click Open. 9 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Symbol. 10 In the Type Selector, select Training North Arrow. 11 Specify a point in the lower right corner of the sheet to place the symbol.
12 On the Design Bar, click Modify. This completes the Creating an Annotation Symbol lesson.
Creating a Titleblock Family

In this lesson, you create a custom titleblock sheet based on the A0 metric titleblock template.
The titleblock has linework, text, and labels. You customize the titleblock with a new text style, graphics, and your project data.
Drawing Linework for a Titleblock Sheet

In this exercise, you draw all of the linework necessary to create a custom A0-size sheet. Dataset
On the File menu, click New Titleblock.
Creating a Titleblock Family | 515
In the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files and navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select A0 metric.rft, and click Open.
Create a new family based on the default titleblock template

1 The default titleblock template consists of 4 border lines.
Sketch the inside border

2 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 3 On the Options Bar, click , and enter -25 for Offset.
4 Specify the upper left corner of the sheet for the first rectangle corner, and then specify the lower right corner of the sheet for the second corner of the rectangle.
Add vertical and horizontal lines

5 On the Options Bar, click , and enter 140 for Offset.
6 Move the cursor over the right inside border line, and click to draw a new vertical line.
7 On the Options Bar, click 8 Enter 0 for Offset.
, and click
9 Draw a horizontal line 140mm below the upper inside border as shown.
10 Draw a horizontal line 120mm below the last horizontal line as shown.
11 Draw a horizontal line 120mm above the lower inside border as shown.
12 On the Design Bar, click Modify, press CTRL, and select the second and third horizontal lines. 13 In the Type Selector, select Wide Lines. 14 Zoom in on the lower right corner of the sheet. 15 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 16 In the Type Selector, select Title Blocks. 17 On the Options Bar, click , and enter 20 for Offset.
18 Move the cursor over the third horizontal line, and click to draw a new horizontal line 20mm below the existing line. 19 Move the cursor over the fourth horizontal line, and click to draw a new horizontal line 20mm below the existing line. 20 Move the cursor over the fifth horizontal line, and click to draw a new horizontal line 20mm below the existing line.
21 On the Options Bar, enter 30 for Offset. 22 Move the cursor over the third horizontal line, and click to draw a new horizontal line 30mm above the existing line. 23 Move the cursor over the seventh horizontal line, and click to draw a new horizontal line 30mm above the existing line. 24 Move the cursor over the eighth horizontal line, and click to draw a new horizontal line 30mm above the existing line.
Drawing Linework for a Titleblock Sheet | 517
25 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 26 Zoom out to view the entire sheet.
The titleblock linework is now complete.
Adding Graphics and Text to a Titleblock

In this exercise, you add a company logo, text notes, and labels to your titleblock.
Add a company logo

1 On the File menu, click Import/Link Image. 2 In the Open dialog box, navigate to Training Files/Common, select Company Logo.jpg, and click Open. 3 Place the image in the upper right corner of the sheet as shown.
4 Zoom in on the logo.
Create a new 10mm text style

5 On the Design Bar, click Text. 6 On the Options Bar, click .
7 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 8 In the Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate. 9 In the Name dialog box, enter 10mm Bold for Name, and click OK. 10 In the Type Properties dialog box, under Text, enter 10 for Text Size, and select Bold. 11 Click OK twice.
Add company name text

12 Draw a text box under the first horizontal line as shown.
13 Enter Arch Design Inc. in the text box. 14 Click outside of the text box to complete the text.
Add company address and phone number text

15 In the Type Selector, select Text : 8mm. 16 Draw a text box below the initial text, and add an address and phone number as shown.
Adding Graphics and Text to a Titleblock | 519
Press ENTER to add each new line of text and click outside of the text box to complete the text.
17 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the last text note. 18 Select the drag handle, and drag the text note down as shown.
19 Click outside the text box to complete the modification.
Add consultant name, address, and phone number text

20 On the Design Bar, click Text. 21 Draw a text box below the second horizontal line, and enter the following text:

Consultant: Address: Address: Telephone:
22 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the consultant text note.
23 On the Edit toolbar, click
24 On the Options Bar, select Constrain and Multiple. 25 Click inside the Consultant text group.
26 Move the cursor down 120mm and click to specify the first copied text note position.
27 Move the cursor down another 120mm and click to specify the second copied text note location.
Create a new 5mm text style

28 On the Design Bar, click Text. 29 On the Options Bar, click .
30 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 31 In the Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate. 32 In the Name dialog box, enter 5mm for Name, and click OK. 33 In the Type Properties dialog box, under Text, enter 5 for Text Size. 34 Click OK twice.
Add drawing data text

35 In the Type Selector, select Text : 5mm. 36 Draw a text box in the lower right space of the titleblock, and enter Sheet Number:. 37 Draw a text box in the next space up, and enter Checked By:. 38 Draw a text box in the next space up, and enter Drawn By:. 39 Draw a text box in the next space up, and enter Date:.
Add drawing data labels

40 On the Design Bar, click Label. 41 On the Options Bar, select Right and Bottom for Text Alignment. 42 Place the cursor at the lower right corner of the Date field, and click to specify the label location.
43 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Project Issue Date, and click OK. The label displays a default value wrapped to 3 lines.
44 Select the left drag handle on the label, and drag to the left until the label displays on one line.
NOTE Move the label if necessary to line up properly with the existing text.
45 Place the cursor at the lower right corner of the Drawn By field, and click to specify the label location. 46 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Drawn By, and click OK.
NOTE Move the label if necessary to line up properly with the existing text. 47 Place the cursor at the lower right corner of the Checked By field, and click to specify the label location. 48 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Checked By and click OK.
NOTE Move the label if necessary to line up properly with the existing text.
Create a new 15mm label style

49 On the Design Bar, click Label. 50 On the Options Bar, click .
51 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 52 In the Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate. 53 In the Name dialog box, under Text, enter 15mm Label for Name, and click OK. 54 In the Type Properties dialog box, enter 15 for Text Size. 55 Click OK twice.
Add sheet number and project data labels

56 In the Type Selector, select Label : 15mm Label. 57 Place the cursor at the lower right corner of the Sheet Number field, and click to specify the label location. 58 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Sheet Number, and click OK. 59 On the Options Bar, click Center and Middle. 60 Place the cursor near the center of the field above the Date field, and click to specify the label location. 61 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Project Number, and click OK.
62 Select the left drag handle on the label, and drag to the left until the label displays on one line.
63 Place the cursor near the center of the field above the Project Number field, and click to specify the label location. 64 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Project Name, and click OK. 65 Select the left drag handle on the label, and drag to the left until the label displays on one line. 66 Place the cursor near the center of the field above the Project Name field, and click to specify the label location. 67 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select Client Name, and click OK. 68 Select the left drag handle on the label, and drag to the left until the label displays on one line.
Create a 4mm label style

69 On the Design Bar, click Label.
71 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 72 In the Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate. 73 In the Name dialog box, enter 4mm Label, and click OK. 74 In the Type Properties dialog box, under Text, enter 4 for Text Size. 75 Click OK twice.
Add Project Path label

76 In the Type Selector, select 4mm Label. 77 On the Options Bar, click Left and Middle. 78 Place the cursor in the border area below the left side of the Sheet Number field, and click to specify the label location. 79 In the Select Parameter dialog box, select File Path, and click OK. 80 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and then adjust the width of the File Path field so that it is approximately equal to the width of the Sheet Number field.
81 Save the new titleblock family with the name Training A0Horizontal Titleblock.rfa. The titleblock graphics, text, and labels are now complete.
Adding the Titleblock to a New Project

In this exercise, you add the titleblock that you created to a new project.
Load the new titleblock family into a new project

1 On the File menu, click New Project. 2 In the New Project dialog box, click Browse, and in the left pane of the New dialog box, select Training Files. Navigate to the Metric\Templates folder. Select the DefaultMetric.rte file, and click Open. In the New Project Dialog box, click OK. 3 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Sheet. 4 In the Select a Titleblock dialog box, click Load. 5 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the location of Training A0Horizontal Titleblock.rfa file, select it, and click Open. 6 In the Select a Titleblock dialog box, select Training A0Horizontal Titleblock. 7 Click OK.
Modify titleblock properties

8 On the Design Bar, click Modify and select the titleblock. 9 On the Options Bar, click .
10 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Other, enter Name for Drawn By, and click OK. 11 Zoom in on the lower right corner of the sheet.
12 On the Settings menu, click Project Information. 13 In the Type Properties dialog box, do the following:

Enter January 1, 2005 for Project Issue Date. Enter In Progress for Project Status. Enter Jane Smith for Client Name. Enter Office Building for Project Name. Enter 2005-01 for Project Number.
14 Click OK.
Adding the Titleblock to a New Project | 527
This completes the Creating a Titleblock Family lesson.
Creating In-Place Families

In this lesson, you start with an incomplete building information model of the Pantheon, and add a dome roof and a concave floor with revolved forms as in-place families. You create an in-place family in your current project rather than in the Family Editor. In-place families interact with the building model according to their assigned family category.
NOTE This project was created using an imperial template and components. To change the units of measurement to meters, on the Settings menu, click Project Units. Set the Length units to millimeters, set the Area to Square meters, format the Area to use 2 decimal places, and set the suffix to None.
Creating the Dome Roof In-Place Family

In this exercise, you create the dome roof with a revolved form. Sketch the roof cross-section with a closed profile in an elevation view. Dataset

On the File menu, click Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog box, select Training and navigate to the Common folder. Select c_Pantheon.rvt, and click Open.
Open the existing Pantheon building model

1 On the View menu, click Orient Southeast.
Next, you add a dome roof with oculus (circular opening) to the Pantheon building model. 2 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Elevations, and double-click South.
Specify the Roofs family category

3 On the Modelling menu, click Create. 4 In the Family Category and Parameters dialog box, select Roofs for Family Category, and click OK. 5 In the Name dialog box, enter Dome for Name, and click OK.
Specify the dome roof revolved form parameters

6 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Revolve. 7 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 8 In the Work Plane dialog box, select Pick a Plane, and click OK. 9 Select the Center East/West reference plane as shown.
10 In the Go To View dialog box, select Section: Wall Section - Center, and click Open View.
Creating the Dome Roof In-Place Family | 529
The center wall section view is displayed.
Draw the axis of rotation for the dome roof revolved form
11 On the Design Bar, click Axis. 12 On the Options Bar, click .
13 Specify the bottom endpoint of the Center East/West reference plane for the start point of the axis, and then specify the top endpoint of the reference plane for the endpoint of the axis.
Draw the lower face of the dome roof

16 Specify the intersection of the Upper Cornice horizontal reference plane and vertical axis as the circle center point.
17 Move the cursor out, until it creates an intersection with the level 1 reference plane.
The circle is tangent to the interior wall face and the level 1 reference plane at the floor line.
Draw the oculus rim profile

18 Zoom in on the top of the circle.
The reference planes that display are guides for drawing the oculus rim profile. 19 On the Options Bar, click , and select Chain.
20 Specify the reference plane intersection for the start point of the rim profile as shown.
21 Snap to reference plane intersections, and draw the five rim profile line segments in the shape of a reverse C as shown.
Split the circle

22 On the Tools toolbar, click .
23 On the Options Bar, select Delete Inner Segment. 24 Select a point on the circle to the right of the rim profile.
25 Select the intersection of the circle and the lower left vertical line of the profile as shown.
The circle is trimmed between the rim profile and the first split point.
Draw the upper face of the dome roof

28 Specify the endpoint of the upper left rim profile line segment as the arc start point.
29 Specify the top of the stairs in the wall section as the arc endpoint.
30 Specify a point on the arc approximately as shown.
Draw two lines to close the dome roof profile

31 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 32 On the Options Bar, click and select Chain.
33 Draw a horizontal line from the arc endpoint to the interior edge of the wall, and then draw a vertical line down the interior wall face to the lower dome roof face tangent point.
Trim the arc below the tangent point

34 On the Tools toolbar, click .
35 Select the interior face of the wall, and then select a point on the arc above the tangent point as the segment to keep.
The dome roof closed profile is now complete.
Specify lightweight concrete for the dome roof material

36 On the Design Bar, click Revolution Properties. 37 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Materials and Finishes, click for Material.
38 In the Materials dialog box, select Concrete - Cast-in-Place Lightweight Concrete for Name, and click OK. 39 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 40 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 41 On the Design Bar, click Finish Family.
The dome roof in-place family is now complete.
Creating the Concave Floor In-Place Family

In this exercise, you create the concave floor slab for the Pantheon building model.
Specify the concave floor revolved form parameters

1 On the Modelling menu, click Create.
2 In the Family Category and Parameters dialog box, select Floors for Family Category, and click OK. 3 In the Name dialog box, enter Concave Floor for Name, and click OK. 4 In the Project Browser under Elevations, double-click South.
5 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Revolve. 6 On the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 7 In the Work Plane dialog box, select Pick a Plane, and click OK. 8 Select the Center East/West reference plane as shown.
9 In the Go To View dialog box, select Section: Wall Section - Center, and click Open View.
Draw the axis of rotation for the floor revolved form

10 On the Design Bar, click Axis. 11 On the Options Bar, click .
12 Specify the bottom endpoint of the Center East/West reference plane for the start point of the axis, and then specify the top endpoint of the reference plane for the endpoint of the axis.
Creating the Concave Floor In-Place Family | 535
Draw the concave floor profile

13 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 14 On the Options Bar, click , and select Chain.
15 Specify the intersection of the T.O. Footing level line and the axis, for the start point of the floor profile as shown.
NOTE You may need to zoom in closer to the intersection to select the first point. 16 Drag the cursor up 800 mm, and specify the next point for the floor profile as shown.
17 Specify the intersection of the level 1 reference plane and the interior wall edge for the next point of the floor profile as shown.
18 Specify the intersection of the T.O. Footing level line and the interior wall edge for the next point of the floor profile. 19 Specify the intersection of the of the T.O. Footing level line and the axis for the last point of the floor profile.
The concave floor closed profile is now complete.
Specify cobblestone for the concave floor material

20 On the Design Bar, click Revolution Properties. 21 In the Element Properties dialog box, click for Material.
22 In the Materials dialog box, select Cobblestone for Name, and click OK. 23 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 24 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 25 On the Design Bar, click Finish Family. 26 In the Project Browser under 3D Views, double-click 3D Section View.
This completes the Creating In-Place Families lesson.
Creating the Concave Floor In-Place Family | 537
Parametric Component Design Techniques
14
In this tutorial, you create a new parametric component within the Family Editor. During this tutorial, you learn the process and methodology of creating a new family. In exercises that become increasingly complex, you learn specific techniques and best practices that you can apply broadly when creating other families in Autodesk Revit Building 9.1. The parametric component that you design in this tutorial is an open web wood floor truss. In this case, the length of the trimmable truss determines the size and grade of the truss chords. In the center of the truss is a mechanical service clearance to accommodate HVAC systems. The truss also has multiple types, formula-based parameters, assigned subcatecories, and detail level controls. This type of component uses a broad spectrum of design techniques within the Family Editor.
The goal of this tutorial is to teach you the proper approach to parametric component creation, not specifically how to make a floor truss. At the end of this tutorial, you will understand the process, methodology, and the specific techniques for creating a parametric component.
539
Planning a Parametric Component Family

Creating a new parametric component family is no different than any other design process; planning ahead is one of the most important steps. Knowing why you are creating a particular family and what you need it to do will drive the specific design process. In this lesson, you accomplish two main tasks: you determine the component needs and select the family template that is suited to those needs.
Determining Component Needs

In this exercise, you determine the requirements of the new component. In this case, it is an open-joist wood floor truss. For training purposes, imagine that your firm specializes in light commercial and residential design. Your assignment is to create a truss that adapts parametrically to changes in the building design.
Decide component type and design requirements

1 What type of component are you designing? In this case, the design specification requires that the floor truss snaps to columns, beams, and structural walls, and also works intuitively with them. It should also be an available option within a beam system. In addition, the component should use the point-to-point insertion method with the joist web members adjusting parametrically. Because this component has to interact closely with other structural components, this must be a structural beam component. This decision dictates which family template you begin with. If the component did not have to interact so closely with other structural components, a generic floor-based component might work. Although this solution is possible, it is not the best solution. In the next exercise, you select the best available template with which to begin the new structural beam family. 2 What additional design requirements affect the design plan for this beam family?
Additional design requirements

The truss should automatically adjust depth as the length changes. Two types should be created, a 2x3 truss and a 2x4 truss. A rectangular mechanical clearance opening must be centered within the beam.
The design requirements dictate how simple or complex a family must be. In this case, the beam design must be advanced in order to have the flexibility that the specs require.
NOTE When creating a new family, you should avoid over-designing the component. If the design requirements can be met with a simple design, then you should design only what is needed to satisfy the requirements. For every complexity added to a family, there is a computing performance cost that must be paid within the project. Take this into consideration during your design planning.
Using the new family within a project

3 How will you use the family within a project?
540 | Chapter 14 Parametric Component Design Techniques
For instance:
What materials need the most control? These materials, such as wood type, would require Instance or Type parameters.
What materials remain constant throughout a project? The chord and web material will always be wood. These materials can be applied using Object Styles.
What types are most commonly used? In this training case, only the 2x3 and 2x4 trusses with wood web members are required.
How will the component need to be scheduled? This is an important question, especially if you are going to be nesting subcomponents that may require separate scheduling. In addition, the means by which you gather the information you require within the schedule needs to be built into the component.
You have completed the planning stage for the new family. Depending on the family you are designing, the planning stage and questions may differ. 4 Continue with the next exercise, Selecting the Family Template on page 541.
Selecting the Family Template

In this exercise, you determine which family template provides the best starting point for the new beam family. In the previous exercise, you determined that the component type is a structural beam. This critical decision reduces the quantity of template options.
Selecting the Family Template | 541
Review the template options

1 Close any open projects or families. 2 Click File menu New Family. The New dialog box opens to the templates folder that is specified in your Settings Options dialog box. You should be in the Metric Templates folder. Usually, this is where you access family templates. However, to ensure you are using the templates referenced in this tutorial, you will access them from the Training Files folder. 3 In the left pane of the New dialog box, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates. 4 Scroll through the various template options. Notice that most of the template names include the component type. In addition, the template name often includes information how the component would be used with a project, for example: wall based or floor based. 5 Select Metric Generic Model floor based.rft. NOTE Do not double-click the template or open it. Select it so that the preview displays. On the right side of the New dialog box, notice the preview.
Like most generic family templates, it provides two intersecting reference planes: Center (left/right) and Center (front/back). 6 In the New dialog box, scroll to the structural framing templates. There are two structural framing templates provided.
Metric Structural Framing - Beams and Braces.rft
This template is design specifically to accommodate point-to-point insertion and the specific snapping, spacing, and display functions required by structural beams.
Metric Structural Framing - Complex and Trusses.rft This template is designed for complex framing components and trusses. It provides two intersecting reference planes: Center (left/right) and Center (front/back). Because of its simplicity, it is not designed to create a component capable of point-to-point insertion.
7 Select Metric Structural Framing - Complex and Trusses.rft, and notice the preview.
Although the template name suggests this is the appropriate template, it is not the best starting point for the beam family. 8 Select Metric Structural Framing - Beams and Braces.rft and notice the preview.
Notice this template offers three vertical planes on each side of the center (left/right) reference plane. These planes are designed specifically to accommodate point-to-point beam insertion and the special snapping and display requirements of beam components. This template is the best starting point for the new family.
Open the family template

9 Double-click Metric Structural Framing - Beams and Braces.rft to open it. 10 Maximize the view, Floor Plan: Ref. Level.
Floor Plan: Ref. Level
Selecting the Family Template | 543
In this view, you can see the rectangular beam extrusion and a symbolic line. 11 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. Notice that the beam extrusion is centered on the level line. When a beam family based on this template is added to a project, the top of the beam extrusion is aligned to the associated level of the plan view. 12 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1.
This beam extrusion is supplied within the template as a starting point. Like many templates, the geometry supplied can be used or discarded as needed. 13 Proceed to the next lesson, Creating the Component Skeleton on page 544.
Creating the Component Skeleton

In this lesson, you add the reference planes, lines, and dimensions that provide a skeleton for the solid geometry. As you add solid geometry later in the tutorial, you snap and lock the solid geometry to these reference planes and lines. Therefore, creating a skeleton to build upon is the foundation of a new component family. NOTE When creating or modifying a family, it is not necessary to create a skeleton of reference planes or lines and then align and lock the solid geometry to it. Dimensioning the solid geometry directly also works; however, using reference planes and lines is considered more reliable and is therefore a best practice.
Adding Reference Planes

In this exercise, you add reference planes to the beam design. These reference planes act as part of the skeleton to which the solid geometry will align and lock.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset you started in the previous exercise.
Review existing reference planes

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level. 2 Place the cursor over the leftmost vertical reference plane until the tooltip displays the name of the plane, Reference Plane: Left. TIP The name also displays on the Status Bar. 3 Repeat this step for the other two vertical planes on the left side.
The reference planes in this template are designed to accommodate the point-to-point insertion of a beam component. The reference planes and their respective explanations are listed below.
Left and Right: These two planes mark the points where the beam intersects with other columns. In the image below, two steel columns and a steel beam have been added to a project. The two arrows point to the snap points that the left and right reference planes refer to. NOTE The reference planes shown in the project image below were added as a training reference. Reference planes that display within a family file do not display within a project.
Member Left and Member Right: These two planes refer to the left and right extent of the beam solid geometry when displayed in a medium or fine display view of a project. In the project plan view image below, notice the location of the beam extents. The six reference planes shown in the project below were added as a training reference; they do not display when the family is loaded into a project.
Stick Symbol Left and Stick Symbol Right:
Adding Reference Planes | 545
These two planes refer to the extents of the stick symbol when it is loaded into a project and the plan view display setting is coarse.
Each family template has a different set of reference planes established within it. Before adding new reference planes, it is important to be familiar with the template so you do not create duplicate or conflicting planes.
Delete existing solid geometry

4 Select the rectangular beam extrusion. NOTE Be careful not to select the symbolic line.
5 On the Edit Toolbar, click
In a later exercise, you add the solid geometry for the truss as a sweep.
Add new reference planes

6 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 7 Add a reference plane approximately 50 mm above the horizontal reference plane: Center (Front/Back).
8 Add a reference plane approximately 50 mm below the horizontal reference plane: Center (Front/Back).
You will use these two reference planes to control the beam width and keep it centered on the reference plane: Center (Front/Back).
Add ref. planes to control beam depth

9 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 10 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 11 Add a reference plane approximately 150 mm below the Level: Ref. Level.
12 Add a reference plane approximately 150 mm above the Level: Ref. Level. TIP You can also use the mirror tool to accomplish this task. To do this, select the lower horizontal reference plane, click on the Edit toolbar, and select the Level: Ref. Level as the mirror axis.
These two reference planes mark the top and bottom extents of the beam. This beam requires additional reference planes to complete the truss skeleton. 13 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 14 On the Options Bar, click , and specify an Offset of 38 mm.
The next four reference planes that you add mark the thickness of the truss chords. 15 Place the cursor over the top horizontal reference plane. When a copy of the reference plane displays below it, click to place it. TIP You can control the direction of the offset by moving the cursor slightly to either side of the line you intend to pick.
16 Place the cursor over the lower horizontal reference plane and when a copy of the reference plane displays above it, click to place it as shown.
17 Place the cursor over Reference Plane: Member Left, and when a copy of the reference plane displays to the right of it, click to place it as shown.
18 Place the cursor over Reference Plane: Member Right, and when a copy of the reference plane displays to the left of it, click to place it as shown.
You have completed the reference planes that make up the skeleton of the chords. Before you move on to the next exercise, you must add four additional reference planes to accommodate the center chase. 19 On the Options Bar, specify an Offset of 200 mm.
20 Place the cursor over Reference Plane: Center (Left/Right), and when a copy of the reference plane displays to the left of it, click to place it as shown.
21 Place the cursor over Reference Plane: Center (Left/Right), and when a copy of the reference plane displays to the right of it, click to place it as shown.
22 On the Options Bar, specify an Offset of 238 mm. 23 Use the Reference Plane: Center (Left/Right) to add reference planes to the left and right of it as shown below.
24 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level. Notice the reference planes that you added in the elevation view. Although there is nothing technically incorrect regarding the reference planes in this view, cleaning up some of the extents would make the view easier, which you do in the next exercise.
25 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 26 Click File menu Save. 27 In the Save As dialog box, enter Wood Floor Truss for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. NOTE You use this family for the remainder of this tutorial. Make sure you remember where you saved it. 28 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Dimensions and Constraints on page 550.
Adding Dimensions and Constraints

In this exercise, you add some of the dimensions and constraints that control how the open web floor truss adapts to changes in its geometry. By applying dimensions and constraints directly to the skeleton of the family, you can make sure the new family adapts to changes in geometry as expected before adding solid geometry to it.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset, Wood Floor Truss.rfa, that you saved at the end of the previous exercise.
Dimension chord width

1 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 2 On the Options Bar, click .
This tool is the aligned dimension tool. It allows you to dimension between parallel lines. 3 Select each of the horizontal reference planes and place the dimension to the left as shown. After adding the dimension, separate the overriding values by dragging the value controls as shown.
TIP You may need to adjust your zoom settings during this procedure.
4 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 5 Select the dimension you added in the previous step, and click the EQ symbol when it displays. This ensures that changes to the chord width are distributed equally across the center reference plane.
6 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 7 Add a dimension referring to the upper horizontal reference plane and the lower horizontal reference plane. Place the dimension as shown.
Add the depth dimension and equality constraint

8 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 9 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 10 Select the upper horizontal reference plane, the Center reference plane, and the lower horizontal reference plane, place the dimension to the left as shown, and click the EQ symbol to apply the equality constraint.
Adding Dimensions and Constraints | 551
NOTE The center horizontal reference plane overlaps the level line: Ref. Level. You may need to use the TAB key to toggle the selection to the reference plane.
11 Add a dimension referring to the upper horizontal reference plane and the lower horizontal reference plane and move it to the left of the equality constrained dimension you added previously.
Dimension and constrain the center chase width

12 Add a dimension referring to the three vertical reference planes in the center of the model, place the dimension under the lines as shown and click the EQ symbol to apply the equality constraint.
13 Add a dimension referring to the reference planes to the left and right of the Center (Left/Right) reference plane, and place it below the dimension you added previously.
Dimension chord thickness

14 On the right side of the model, add two dimensions as shown. These dimensions refer to the chord thickness.
15 Add four dimensions as shown. These dimensions refer to the chord thickness of the vertical members and the members that border the center chase.
You have finished adding the dimensions and constraints that control how the truss skeleton adapts to changes. Throughout the tutorial, you will add additional reference planes, dimensions, and constraints as needed. In the next exercise, you label the dimensions to create instance and type parameters. These parameters are the key to providing flexibility within a project. In addition, they allow you to flex the model in order to test your design. 16 Click File menu Save. 17 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating New Length Parameters on page 554.
Adding Dimensions and Constraints | 553
Creating New Length Parameters

In this exercise, you create new length parameters that control the basic dimensions of the floor truss. The parameters that you create when designing a family are the same parameters used within a project to control the instance and type parameters of that family. When you design a new family, it is important to decide how much control over the component will be required after the component is loaded into a project. There are many types of parameters and various ways to create them. In this exercise, you label the dimensions that you added in the previous exercise. When you label a dimension in the Family Editor, it becomes a parameter. You choose whether to make it an instance or type parameter.
Things to consider when deciding instance or type:

If the component comes in standard sizes that must be maintained, consider making it a type parameter. If the component is something that is cut or otherwise extremely flexible, consider making it an instance parameter. If the component has material that varies per component, consider making the material parameter an instance parameter. If the parameter controls something that usually remains constant by its nature, consider making it a type parameter. You should lean towards simplicity whenever possible.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset, Wood Floor Truss.rfa, that you saved at the end of the previous exercise.
Create the chord width parameter

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level. 2 Select the dimension that refers to the width of the chord as shown.
3 On the Options Bar, select Add parameter for Label. 4 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, do the following:

Under Parameter Type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Chord Width for Name. Select Dimensions for Group parameter under. Select Type. This indicates whether the parameter is a type or instance parameter.
Click OK.
Create truss depth parameter

5 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 6 Select the dimension on the left that refers to the depth of the truss.

Under Parameter Type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Depth for Name. Select Dimensions for Group parameter under. Select Type. Click OK.
Create center chase width parameter

9 Select the dimension that refers to the width of the center chase interior.

Under Parameter Type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Center Chase Width for Name. Select Dimensions for Group parameter under. Select Type. Click OK.
Creating New Length Parameters | 555
Create chord thickness parameter

12 On the right side of the model, select the dimension that refers to the thickness of the lower horizontal truss chord as shown.

Under Parameter Type, select Family parameter. Under Parameter Data, enter Chord Thickness for Name. Select Dimensions for Group parameter under. Select Type. Click OK.
TIP You may need to drag the text label downward as shown.
Apply chord thickness label to other dimensions

15 On the right side of the model, select the dimension that refers to the thickness of the upper horizontal truss chord. 16 On the Options Bar, select Chord Thickness for Label.
17 Apply the Chord Thickness label to the vertical chords and the vertical members on the left and right side of the center chase as shown.
18 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. In the Family Types dialog box, notice the labelled dimensions display under the list of parameters and under the group, Dimensions. When you load this family into a project, these parameters will be available within the Type Properties dialog box for the beam. 19 Click Cancel. 20 On the File menu, click Save. 21 Proceed to the next exercise, Flexing the Component Model on page 557.
Flexing the Component Model

One of the most important steps in the process of creating a new parametric component is the flexing of the model. Flexing the model means to change parameter values, thus forcing the model to adapt to the changes. This is not limited to length parameters. If you add a new material parameter, you should also test it to make sure it works as expected. You should flex the model after any major change to the design.
You should flex a new family after:

Adding or modifying an element. Adding or modifying a parameter.
Flexing the Component Model | 557
Adding a new constraint. Nesting a component. Adding or modifying a parameter formula.
When you flex a family, you should always do it from the Family Types dialog box, rather than by manually stretching or manipulating the objects within the family. When you change a parameter value and apply the change, this is the most accurate way of testing how the family will behave within a project.
In this exercise, you flex the model to test the various length parameters that you added in the previous exercise. Even though you have yet to add any model geometry to the family, it is important to verify that the reference lines adjust to changes as constraints are maintained. After you verify this, you can add the model geometry to the skeleton and be relatively certain that it will also flex as expected. Dataset Continue to use the dataset, Wood Floor Truss.rfa, that you saved at the end of the previous exercise.
Preparing the family for flexing

1 When flexing the model, you need to be able to see the model within the drawing area and also apply new values within the Family Types dialog box:
Maximize the Revit window and adjust the zoom settings so the model is in one corner of the drawing area. When you open the Family Types dialog, you can drag it to the opposing corner. or
Reduce the Revit window and keep the model centered in the drawing area. When you open the Family Types dialog box, you can drag it off the Revit window as shown.
Adjust your display using one of the two methods before opening the Family Types dialog box. 2 On the Design Bar, click Family Types, and drag the dialog box so that you can view the model.
Flex the truss depth

3 In the Family Types dialog box, under Dimensions, enter 600 mm for Depth, and click Apply.
Notice the depth of the truss adapts to the change in dimension value. Also notice the equality constraint spreads the additional depth evenly above and below the Ref. Level. In addition, notice that the reference planes marking the chord thickness adapted to the change in depth while maintaining their specified value. Verifying that the entire model adapts to changes and making sure nothing breaks is the essence of flexing.
4 Enter 450 mm for Depth, 80 mm for Chord Thickness, 800 mm for Center Chase Width, and click Apply. Notice that the model adapts to all of the changes.
Reset parameters
5 In the Family Types dialog box, reset the parameters back to their original values:

Enter 300 mm for Depth. Enter 38 mm for Chord Thickness. Enter 400 mm for Center Chase Width. Click Apply. Click OK.
Flexing the Component Model | 559
When working within the Family Editor, you should always flex the design after you add new elements or modify the existing design in any way. 6 On the File menu, click Save. 7 Proceed to the next lesson, Adding Solid Geometry on page 560.
Adding Solid Geometry

In this lesson, you add the solid geometry using extrusions for the chords and trimmable plywood ends. After creating the extrusions, you constrain them using a combination of locked alignments and labelled dimensions. After flexing the design, you load the truss into a project to verify that it works as designed.
Creating Solid Extrusions

In this exercise, you create the top and bottom chords of the truss. After adding the chords, you align and lock their position. Dataset Continue to use the dataset, Wood Floor Truss.rfa, that you saved at the end of the previous exercise.
Add chord extrusions

1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Left. 2 Zoom in around the center of the truss design.
3 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 4 In the Work Plane dialog box, click Name, select Reference Plane: Member Left, and click OK. 5 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 6 On the Options Bar, click , and select Lock.
7 Select the four reference planes that border the top chord as shown.
Notice that the sketch lines are automatically locked to the reference planes. 8 On the Tools toolbar, click .
When using the Trim tool, click the part of the line you want to keep. 9 Select perpendicular intersecting lines to create the top chord sketch as shown.
10 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 11 On the Options Bar, click , and verify that Lock is selected.
12 Select the four reference planes that border the bottom chord as shown. NOTE A warning dialog displays notifying you that there are overlapping lines. You can ignore this warning because after you finish trimming, the lines will no longer overlap.
14 Select perpendicular intersecting lines to create the bottom chord sketch as shown.
Creating Solid Extrusions | 561
15 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 16 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1. Notice the chord extrusions and the symbolic line. The chords need to be aligned and locked to the correct reference planes in order for them to flex with changes in the geometry.
17 On the File menu, click Save. 18 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Constraints to the Solid Geometry on page 562.
Adding Constraints to the Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you add constraints to the chord extrusions and then flex the family to verify that it works as designed. Dataset Continue to use the dataset, Wood Floor Truss.rfa, that you saved at the end of the previous exercise.
Constrain the extrusion ends

1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 2 Enter SD; this is the keyboard shortcut for Shading with Edges. This makes the chord extrusions more visible within the view. 3 Select the chord extrusions.
4 Drag the right arrow control to the right until it snaps to the reference plane: Member Right, as shown. Click the lock symbol to lock the extrusion edge to the reference plane.
5 Drag the left arrow control to the right until it snaps to the reference plane: Member Left, as shown. Click the lock symbol to lock the extrusion edge to the reference plane.
Flex the design

6 Prepare the view for flexing in the same way you did during the flexing exercise. Youll want to set up your screen so you can see the model truss while the Family Types dialog box is open. On the Design Bar, click Family Types.
7 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 6000 for Length, and click Apply. Notice that the extrusions did not move or change their length. This is because the length dimension references the extreme left and right reference planes, not the member right or member left reference planes. Therefore, you must add a new constraint before flexing the length. 8 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 3000 for Length, click Apply, and click OK.
Add a new dimension and constraint

9 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 10 Add a dimension between the reference plane: Left and the reference plane: Member Left as shown. Click the lock symbol to lock the dimension value.
Adding Constraints to the Solid Geometry | 563
11 Add a dimension between the reference plane: Right and the reference plane: Member Right as shown. Click the lock symbol to lock the dimension value.
In this particular case, adding this constraint to the model has no impact on how it works within a project. This is a two-point placement beam family that uses the member left and member right reference planes as the determining extents of this component. Later in this lesson, you load this family into a project to test how it works within a project environment.
Flex the length

12 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 13 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 6000 for Length, and click Apply. Notice that the extrusions adjusted to the change in length. This tells you that the constraints on the extrusion ends are working.
TIP If one of the extrusion ends did not adjust as expected, use the Align tool and add the constraint. Afterwards, flex the model once again to make sure the fix works as expected. 14 Click OK.
In a later exercise, you add the web members. Therefore, you need a truss long enough to add web arrays and do not need to return the truss back to its original length value.
Flex the chord width, depth, and thickness

15 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1. 16 Enter SD for Shading with Edges.
17 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 18 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

Enter 600mm for Depth. Enter 200mm for Chord Width. Enter 76mm for Chord Thickness. TIP When flexing, it is important to remember the original values so you can reset them afterwards. Therefore, try picking a method, such as doubling, that allows you to easily return to the original values.
Click Apply.
The chords should adjust to each of the new values. 19 Specify the beam values shown below:

Enter 286mm for Depth. Enter 89mm for Chord Width. Enter 38mm for Chord Thickness. Click Apply, and click OK.
20 On the File menu, click Save. 21 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Additional Solid Geometry on page 565.
Creating Additional Solid Geometry

In this exercise, you add the extrusions for the truss ends and the center chase.
Dataset
Creating Additional Solid Geometry | 565
Continue to use the dataset, Wood Floor Truss.rfa, that you saved at the end of the previous exercise.
Add the center chase extrusions

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level. 2 Zoom in on the center of the truss and select the model line that represents the beam stick symbol. 3 On the View Control Bar, click the Hide/Isolate control, and click Hide Object. This will make it easier to sketch the center chase extrusions. 4 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 5 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 6 On the Options Bar, click , and verify that Lock is selected.
7 Select the four reference planes that border the left, vertical member of the center chase as shown.
Notice that the sketch lines are automatically locked to the reference planes. 8 On the Tools toolbar, click .
9 Select perpendicular intersecting lines to create the left, vertical member of the center chase sketch as shown.
10 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 11 On the Options Bar, click , and verify that Lock is selected.
12 Select the four reference planes that border the right, vertical member of the center chase as shown.
NOTE A warning dialog displays notifying you that there are overlapping lines. You can ignore this warning because after you finish trimming, the lines will no longer overlap.
14 Select perpendicular intersecting lines to complete the center chase sketch as shown.
15 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 16 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 17 Zoom in on the center chase.
Align and lock the new extrusions

18 On the Tools menu, click Align. This next process is very important. The ends of the chase extrusions must be aligned and locked to the horizontal reference planes coincident with the interior edges of the chords. Although you can align and lock extrusion to extrusion, it is considered a best practice to align and lock to reference planes. 19 For the align-to reference, select the reference line on the top of the lower chord as shown. You may need to press TAB to toggle the selection options.
20 Click the bottom edge of one of the chase extrusions, and after the alignment, click the lock symbol to lock the alignment.
21 Align the top edge of the chase extrusions with the reference line coincident with the lower edge of the upper chord, and lock the alignment as shown.
Flex the center chase


Enter 486mm for Depth. Enter 800mm for Center Chase Width. Click Apply.
The truss should adapt to all the changes. If it does not, redo any problematic alignments and constraints. 25 In the Family Types dialog box, reset the values as follows:

Enter 286mm for Depth. Enter 400mm for Center Chase Width. Click Apply, and click OK.
Clean up the view

26 Zoom to Fit.
27 Clean up the view by moving the dimensions off to the side as shown. This will make subsequent work much easier.
Add the truss end extrusions

28 Select the Chord Thickness dimension in the lower-left corner as shown.
29 On the Options Bar, select Add Parameter for Label. 30 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, do the following:

Enter Trimmable End Length for Name. Select Dimensions for Group parameter under. Select Instance. Click OK.
31 Select the Chord Thickness dimension in the lower-right corner of the view. 32 On the Options Bar, select Trimmable End Length for Label. 33 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 34 In the Family Types dialog box, under Dimensions, enter 300mm for Trimmable End Length, click Apply, and click OK.
Sketch the right end extrusion

35 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Right. 36 Zoom around the truss elements. 37 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 38 In the Work Plane dialog box, select Reference Plane: Member Right for Name, and click OK. 39 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 40 On the Options Bar, click , and verify that Lock is selected.
41 On the upper chord, select the lower horizontal reference plane; on the lower chord, select the upper horizontal reference plane. These two lines represent the upper and lower boundary of the sketch.
42 On the Options Bar, enter 19mm for Offset. 43 Select the Center (Front/Back) reference plane twice to add a sketch line to each side as shown.
45 Select perpendicular intersecting lines to complete the end sketch as shown.
46 On the Design Bar, click Extrusion Properties. 47 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Constraints, verify that 300mm is specified for the Extrusion End value, and click OK. 48 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
Sketch the left end extrusion

49 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Left. 50 Zoom around the truss elements. 51 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 52 In the Work Plane dialog box, select Reference Plane: Member Left for Name, and click OK. 53 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 54 On the Options Bar, click , and verify that Lock is selected.
55 On the upper chord, select the lower horizontal reference plane; on the lower chord, select the upper horizontal reference plane. These two lines represent the upper and lower boundary of the sketch. 56 On the Options Bar, enter 19mm for Offset. 57 Select the Center (Front/Back) reference plane twice to add a sketch line to each side as shown.
59 Select perpendicular intersecting lines to complete the end sketch as shown.
60 On the Design Bar, click Extrusion Properties. 61 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Constraints, specify -300mm for the Extrusion End value, and click OK. NOTE This extrusion value must be negative in order to push the extrusion towards the center of the truss. 62 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
Add alignment constraints

Although the truss ends line up with the reference planes controlling the length of the trimmable ends, they are not aligned and locked to those reference planes and would not pass a flex test. 64 Zoom in on the left end of the truss. 65 On the Tools menu, click Align. 66 Select the Member Left reference plane as the align-to point.
67 Select the left edge of the left end extrusion, and lock the alignment.
68 Select the reference plane coincident with the right edge of the left end extrusion; this is the align-to point. 69 Select the right edge of the left end extrusion, and lock the alignment.
70 Repeat the previous five steps for the right end of the truss. Make adjustments to account for the right side. TIP When you finish the alignments, if you select the end extrusion, a lock displays on each side indicating the constraints to the reference planes. 71 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Flex the design


Enter 486mm for Depth. Enter 600mm for Trimmable End Length. Click Apply.
The truss should adapt to all the changes. If it does not, fix any problematic alignments and constraints. 74 In the Family Types dialog box, reset the values as follows:

Enter 286mm for Depth. Enter 300mm for Trimmable End Length. Click Apply, and click OK.
75 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1.
76 Save the Family. A new dataset is provided for you beginning with the next lesson. It is identical to the truss you have been designing. If you are comfortable with your design, you can continue using it in the next lesson. If you have experienced any errors or have deviated from the exercises in any way, you should close the file and begin with a fresh dataset. 77 Proceed to the next lesson, Testing the Family in a Project on page 574.
Testing the Family in a Project

In this lesson, you load the family into a project to test it in a real-world environment. After you load it into the project, you add several beam instances and then modify the shape of the foundation to see how the beams adapt.
Loading a Family into a Project

In this exercise, you load the truss family into a project that consists of foundation walls, a sill, and a rim joist. NOTE Close any open families or projects. The truss family that you use in this lesson is identical to the truss you have created in the previous exercises. Although you could continue using the previous family, it is recommended that you use the new family in order to ensure consistency. Datasets
Open the truss family

On the File menu, click Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog box, click the Training Files icon. Open the m_Wood Floor Truss_1.rfa file located in the Metric\Families folder.
Open the project file

On the File menu, click Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog box, click the Training Files icon.
Open the m_WWF1.rvt file located in the Metric folder.
Load the truss family into the project

1 On the Window menu, click m_Wood Floor Truss_1.rfa. 2 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. The truss family is loaded directly into the only other open file. If you had multiple projects or families open, a dialog box would have displayed asking for you to specify which projects you wanted to load the family into. Notice that the project file is now active. 3 In the Project Browser, expand Families, expand Structural Framing, and notice that the Wood Floor Truss_1 family has been loaded. 4 Proceed to the next exercise, Testing a Family Instance in a Project on page 575.
Testing a Family Instance in a Project

In this exercise, you add several instances of the truss family to the project, and then modify the project to see how the beams adapt. Dataset Continue to use the datasets that you used in the previous exercise.
Testing a Family Instance in a Project | 575
Add beams to project

1 In the Project Browser, expand Views, expand 3D Views, and double-click 3D - Southeast Isometric.
This project consists of foundation walls, a slab, a wood sill, and a wood rim joist. The rim joist was added as a beam; therefore, the truss family you loaded will interact with it as one beam does to another. 2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 3 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Beam. TIP If the Structural tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click in the Design Bar, and click Structural. 4 In the Type Selector, select m_Wood Floor Truss_1. 5 Using point-to-point insertion, add three vertical beams that snap to the rim joist at each end. NOTE Do not be concerned with the exact location of the three beams. Try to make them approximately equidistant as shown.
6 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click 3D - Southeast Isometric.
Notice the wood truss sits on top of the sill and attaches to the rim joist as expected. 7 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 8 Select Grid 2 and drag it downward until the walls form an approximate square. NOTE Make sure you drag the grid line, not the wall or rim joist. You do not need to be precise; you are merely testing the new floor truss to verify that it adapts to the changes.
Testing a Family Instance in a Project | 577
9 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click 3D - Southeast Isometric.
Notice the wood truss adjusted to the changes.

The truss ends remained constant and adapted to the new beam length. The center chase remained the same width while remaining centered.
In the next lesson, you nest the web components into the truss and create an array that adapts to changes in length. 10 On the Edit menu, click Undo Drag. This should return the project to its original dimension. 11 On the File menu, click Save as. 12 In the Save as dialog box, navigate to a folder of your choice and save the project with its existing name. IMPORTANT Do not change the name of the family. The project and family need to interact based on a consistent file name.
Edit a family from within a project

13 Select one of the wooden truss components.
14 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 15 When prompted to open the truss family for editing, click Yes. Because the family is already open, the wood floor truss family becomes the active view. 16 Proceed to the next lesson, Working with Nested Subcomponents on page 579.
Working with Nested Subcomponents

In this lesson, you nest wood web members into the floor truss, and create a formula controlled array to fill in the truss.
Adding a Nested Component

In this exercise, you nest two wooden web members into the truss. You then align and lock the web extents before applying a formula-controlled array. Dataset Continue to use the datasets from the previous exercise.
Prepare the view for nesting

1 Make sure that m_Wood Floor Truss_1.rfa is the active file. 2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level. 3 Select the symbolic line in the center of the truss. 4 On the View Control Bar, click Hide/Isolate, and click Hide Object. This will aid in the placement of the wood web. 5 On the File menu, click Load from Library Load Family.
Load the wood web family

In the left pane of the Open dialog box, click the Training Files icon. Open the m_Wood_Web.rfa file located in the Metric\Families folder.
Working with Nested Subcomponents | 579
This family is a single extrusion as shown. The extrusion is aligned and locked to invisible model lines that make it easier to array within the truss. The geometry is driven by formula-based parameters that link to the host family.
Add two wood web components

6 On the Design Bar, click Component. 7 In the Type Selector, verify that m_Wood_Web: Wood Web is selected. 8 Add two instances of the wood web component as shown. Place one wood web on each side of the center chase. Snap the center line of the web to the center reference plane of the truss. Leave a slight gap between the chase and the web. This will make aligning the wood web easier. IMPORTANT Make sure you snap the center line of the web components to the center reference line of the truss.
9 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 10 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 11 Place the cursor over the left wood web. Do not select it.
Notice the model lines that surround the web component; they are visible only when you place the cursor over the component. In the following steps, you align the web panel using these lines rather than the extrusion edges. Also notice that the depth of the web members needs to be changed. This will be accomplished in the next exercise when you link the nested parameter with the host parameter.
Align the nested web components

12 Enter AL; this is the keyboard shortcut for Align. You will align the left web component first. 13 For the align-to point, select the reference plane that is coincident with the left edge of the left center chase extrusion.
14 Select the right vertical model line of the left web component as shown.
IMPORTANT Do not lock the alignment
15 Repeat the previous two steps to align the left edge of the right web component to the right edge of the center chase as shown.
Each of these web components represents the starting point of the web arrays that you add later in this lesson. NOTE You do not have to align the top or bottom the web components because the height of the web members will adapt to the truss height after you create and link the parameters in the next exercise. In addition, it is important to note that you should avoid adding unnecessary constraints. 16 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Add reference planes for array anchors

17 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 18 Add two reference planes as shown. Place each reference plane just to the outside of the center of the web components.
Adding a Nested Component | 581
19 On the Tools menu, click Align. The reference plane you added in the previous step represents half the web width. In the steps that follow, you align the reference planes to the center of the web components. 20 Select the center of the left web component as the align-to point.
21 Select the reference plane that you added to the left of the web components center as shown.
22 Click the lock to lock the reference plane to the centerline of the web component.
23 Repeat the previous two steps to align and lock the right web component and the reference plane as shown.
Dimension and label array anchors

24 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 25 Add the following two dimensions:
Left web dimension

Select the reference plane that you aligned to the center of the left web component. Select the reference plane that is coincident with the right edge of the left web component and the outside edge of the center chase. Place the dimension as shown.
Right web dimension

Select the reference plane that you aligned to the center of the right web component. Select the reference plane that is coincident with the left edge of the right web component and the outside edge of the center chase. Place the dimension as shown.
In the next exercise, you label these dimensions. You also add a formula to the parameter in order to maintain the web position as the truss changes depth, length, or the width of the center chase. 26 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 27 On the File menu, click Save As. 28 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the same directory in which you saved the project file and save this family there with its current name. 29 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Formula-controlled Parameters on page 583.
Creating Formula-controlled Parameters

In this exercise, you add new parameters to control the web components. You then link the nested web parameters to the new host parameters. Dataset Continue to use the datasets that you saved in the previous exercise.
Create a new parameter for web depth

1 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 2 In the Family Types dialog box, under Parameters, click Add.
Creating Formula-controlled Parameters | 583
3 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, do the following:

Enter WebDepth for Name. Select Constraints for Group parameter under. Select Common for Discipline. Select Length for Type. Select Type. Click OK.
4 In the Family Types dialog box, under Constraints, enter Depth - (Chord Thickness * 2) for the WebDepth Formula. TIP You can expand the width of the Family Types dialog box to facilitate typing within the formula field. This formula ensures that the web depth will account for any changes in the chord thickness or truss depth. NOTE Formulas are case sensitive. When you refer to another parameter within a formula, ensure you enter it exactly as it is named. 5 Click OK.
Link the nested component to the new parameter

6 Right-click the left web component, and click Properties. 7 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 8 In the Type Properties dialog box, under Other, click the button to the right of the WebHeight value.
9 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog box, select WebDepth, and click OK. In the Type Properties dialog box, notice that = displays within the WebHeight button. 10 In the Type Properties dialog box, click OK. 11 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 12 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Notice the web members are resized to fit more precisely between the chords. In addition, notice the center of each nested web component is locked to the reference plane that bisects it.
Create new formula-controlled parameter for center chase

13 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 14 In the Family Types dialog box, under Parameters, click Add. 15 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, do the following:
Enter CC for Name. This parameter is primarily for convenience. It will use a formula to add the center chase width and the thickness of the two bordering chords.
Select Other for Group parameter under. Select Common for Discipline. Select Length for Type. Select Instance. Click OK.
16 Under Other, enter Center Chase Width + (2*Chord Thickness) for CC Formula. After you enter the formula, the resulting value is displayed as an inactive field.
Create WebArrayLength formula-controlled parameter

17 In the Family Types dialog box, under Parameters, click Add. 18 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, do the following:

Enter WebArrayLength for Name. Select Constraints for Group parameter under. Select Common for Discipline. Select Length for Type. Select Instance. Click OK.
19 Under Constraints, enter (Length - (CC+300))/2 for WebArrayLength Formula. This formula subtracts the length of the center chase and its two bordering chords plus an additional 300mm before dividing it in two to specify the length of each array. The additional 300mm is to account for the ends, which must remain at least 150mm long.
Create WebArrayNum formula-controlled parameter

20 In the Family Types dialog box, under Parameters, click Add. 21 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, do the following:

Enter WebArrayNum for Name. Select Constraints for Group parameter under. Select Common for Discipline. Select Integer for Type. Select Instance. Click OK.
22 Under Constraints, enter WebArrayLength/(2*WebDepth) for WebArrayNum Formula. 23 Click OK.
Add parameter to anchor web array

24 Select the dimension that refers to the midpoint of the left web as shown.
25 On the Options Bar, select Add parameter for Label. 26 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, do the following:

Enter Webhalflength for Name. Select Constraints for Group parameter under. Select Instance. Click OK.
27 Select the dimension that refers to the midpoint of the right web. 28 On the Options Bar, select Webhalflength for Label. 29 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Add formula for Webhalflength

30 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 31 Under Constraints, enter (WebArrayLength/WebArrayNum)/2 for Webhalflength Formula. 32 Click OK. Notice the location of the web components has adapted to the formula.
Associate web component parameters

33 Right-click the left web component, and click Properties. 34 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 35 In the Type Properties dialog box, under Other, click the button to the right of the WebArrayLength value. 36 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog box, select WebArrayLength, and click OK. In the Type Properties dialog box, the button next to the WebArrayLength value should have an equals sign within it. 37 In the Type Properties dialog box, click OK. 38 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 39 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 40 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1.
Because you have added and constrained new components, it is very important that you flex the model to ensure the nested components and the formulas that controls them work as expected. It is especially important to flex the model before arraying the truss so that you dont multiply any existing problems.
Flex the design

41 Adjust the view so you can flex the truss while in the Family Types dialog box. 42 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 43 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

Enter 686mm for Depth. Enter 76mm for Chord Thickness. Click Apply.
The truss should adapt to all the changes. If it does not, fix any problematic alignments and constraints.
44 In the Family Types dialog box, reset the values as follows:

Enter 286mm for Depth. Enter 38mm for Chord Thickness.
Click Apply, and click OK.
45 On the File menu, click Save. 46 Proceed to the next exercise, Arraying Nested Subcomponents on page 588.
Arraying Nested Subcomponents

In this exercise, you array the nested web components, add alignment constraints, and link the arrays to the WebArrayNum parameter. Dataset Continue to use the datasets that you saved in the previous exercise.
Array the left web component

1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Front. 2 Select the nested web component left of the center chase.
3 On the Edit menu, click Array. Creating an array requires two basic steps. First, you specify the move start point; then you specify the move end point. You must use precision when arraying because any error is multiplied as the array grows. 4 On the Options Bar, specify the following:

Verify that Group and Associate is selected. Enter 3 for Number. Select 2nd for Move to. Select Constrain.
5 Select the bottom-right corner of the nested web extrusion as the move start point. When picking the corner, use the TAB key to toggle to the endpoint of the vertical model line within the nested family.
6 Select the bottom-left corner of the nested web extrusion as the move end point. When picking the corner, use the TAB key to toggle to the endpoint of the vertical model line within the nested family.
7 Press ENTER to complete the array. 8 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Array the right nested web component

9 Select the nested web component right of the center chase. 10 On the Edit menu, click Array. 11 On the Options Bar, specify the following:

Verify that Group and Associate is selected. Enter 3 for Number. Select 2nd for Move to. Select Constrain.
12 Select the bottom-left corner of the nested web extrusion as the move start point. When picking the corner, use the TAB key to toggle to the endpoint of the vertical model line within the nested family. 13 Select the bottom-right corner of the nested web extrusion as the move end point. When picking the corner, use the TAB key to toggle to the endpoint of the vertical model line within the nested family.
14 Press ENTER to complete the array. 15 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 16 Zoom out to view the truss.
Align and lock the arrays

17 Zoom in on the left array of web components. 18 On the Tools menu, click Align.
Arraying Nested Subcomponents | 589
19 In the left array, place the cursor over the boundary between the two left web components until the reference highlights, then select the line twice.
Because there are two overlapping lines at this location, you are aligning the two bordering web components to each other. 20 Click the lock symbol to keep the web components locked at their edges.
21 Within the left array, align and lock the two right web components.
22 Within the right array, align and lock the two boundaries between the three web components. Use the same techniques as you did in the previous three steps. NOTE This step is very important. If you do not lock the edges of the array, the web components overlap each other when you change the depth of the truss.
Label the arrays

23 Select the middle web component of the left array. 24 Notice the array line displays above the components with the array value. Place the cursor over the array line as shown and select it.
NOTE Do not select the array value. 25 On the Options Bar, select WebArrayNum for Label. 26 Select the middle web component of the right array. 27 Select the array line over the web components on the right. 28 On the Options Bar, select WebArrayNum for Label. 29 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
30 Zoom out until you can see the entire truss.
Notice the arrays appear to be too long. This is because earlier in the tutorial, you added a dimension to lock the Member Left and Member Right reference plane to the outer Left and Right reference planes. The primary reason for this was to allow for flexing the length. 31 Zoom around the left side of the truss. 32 Select the dimension between reference plane Left and Member Left as shown.
33 Delete the dimension. 34 On the Tools menu, click Align. 35 Select the reference plane, Left, as the align-to point. 36 Select the reference plane, Member Left, and lock the alignment as shown.
Notice the end of the array still overlaps the trimmable end. You will fix this in later steps by changing the parameter value.
Arraying Nested Subcomponents | 591
NOTE With most beam families, you would not want to align and lock these two reference planes; however, in this case, the wood floor truss normally sits on a sill bordering a rim joist. Therefore, this solution has little, if any, significant impact. 37 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 38 Zoom in around the right side of the truss. 39 Delete the dimension between reference plane Right and Member Right. 40 Align and lock reference plane Right and Member Right.
41 Zoom out until you can see the entire truss.
Change trimmable end length value

42 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 43 In the Family Types dialog box, under Dimensions, enter 150mm for Trimmable End Length. 44 Click Apply, and click OK. Notice the web arrays fit within the truss without overlapping the ends.
Flex the design

45 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click View 1, and prepare the view for flexing. 46 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 47 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

Enter 686mm for Depth. Enter 12000mm for Length. Enter 900mm for Center Chase Width. Click Apply.
The truss should adapt to all the changes. If it does not, fix any problematic alignments and constraints.
TIP When flexing a complex model such as this, you should flex the model in as many ways as possible to verify it is working correctly; however, for training and time purposes, these steps have been reduced. 48 In the Family Types dialog box, reset the values as follows:

Enter 286mm for Depth. Enter 6000mm for Length. Enter 400mm for Center Chase Width. Click Apply, and click OK.
You have completed the design of the primary components of the truss. 49 On the File menu, click Save. 50 Proceed to the next exercise, Reloading a Family into a Project on page 593.
Reloading a Family into a Project

In this exercise, you reload the truss family into the project. You then increase the distance between the foundation walls to see how the truss adapts to the changes in length.
Reloading a Family into a Project | 593
Dataset Continue to use the datasets that you saved in the previous exercise. In addition to the truss family, the project, m_WWF1.rvt, should be open.
Reload the truss into the project.

1 Verify that the truss family is active and the 3D View, View 1, displays. 2 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 3 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. Notice the project file becomes active and the beam has updated with the latest changes.
4 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 5 Drag Grid 2 downward until the shape of the building footprint is almost square. 6 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click 3D - Southeast Isometric. Notice the truss has adapted to the changes.
7 On the Edit menu, click Undo Drag. 8 Save and close the project file and the family file. In the next lesson, you begin with a new dataset which is identical to both of these files. 9 Proceed to the next lesson, Applying Subcategories, Materials, and Parameters on page 595.
Applying Subcategories, Materials, and Parameters

In this lesson, you create and apply subcategories and materials. You then create a parameter to specifically control material application.
Creating and Applying Subcategories

In this exercise, you create new subcategories within the truss family. You then reload the family into the project and apply a material to the subcategory. Datasets

On the File menu, click Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog box, click the Training Files icon. Open the m_WWF2.rvt file located in the Metric folder.
Applying Subcategories, Materials, and Parameters | 595
In this dataset, the truss was added to a beam system that occupies approximately half the building footprint. In addition, four instances of the floor truss were added to the other end of the structure.
Apply Object Styles

1 Zoom in around beam system. Notice no material has been applied to the truss. Within the family, the material values were set to By Category by default.
2 On the Settings menu, click Object Styles. 3 In the Object Styles dialog box, verify that the Model Objects tab is selected, and expand the category Structural Framing. Notice that the Structural Framing category and all of the subcategories have no material value defined. In addition, notice that the subcategories do not apply to the wood floor truss that you have designed. 4 On the Structural Framing category line, click in the material field until the button displays as shown.
5 Click the button that displays in the Structural Framing Material field. 6 In the Materials dialog box, click Wood - Timber for Name, and click OK. 7 In the Object Styles dialog box, click OK. Notice the Wood - Timber material has been applied to all Structural Framing components.
When you apply a material to the Structural Framing category, all subcomponents of that category are assigned that material. If there was a metal beam in this building model, it would also have the wood material applied to it. If you create subcategories as you design in the Family Editor, you have more control over component visibility within a project. 8 On the Edit menu, click Undo Object Styles.
Create subcategories within the truss family

9 Select a truss that is not part of the beam system. 10 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 11 Click Yes to open the family for editing. 12 On the Settings menu, click Object Styles. 13 In the Object Styles dialog box, under Modify Subcategories, click New. 14 In the New Subcategory dialog box, enter Wood Floor Truss for Name, and click OK.
Apply material to subcategory

15 Click in the Material field for the Wood Floor Truss subcategory, and click the button to open the Materials dialog box. 16 In the Materials dialog box, click Duplicate. 17 In the New Material dialog box, enter Wood Floor Truss, and click OK. 18 In the Materials dialog box, under AccuRender, click .
19 In the Material Library dialog box, navigate to _accurender\Wood\Pine, Yellow, select Natural,No Gloss for Name, and click OK. 20 In the Materials dialog box, click OK. 21 In the Object Styles dialog box, click OK.
Apply the subcategory to the truss components

22 Draw a pick box around the entire truss. 23 On the Options Bar, click .
24 In the Filter dialog box, click Check None, select Other, and click OK. Notice the chords and end extrusions remain selected.
Creating and Applying Subcategories | 597
26 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Identity Data, select Wood Floor Truss for Subcategory, and click OK. 27 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Apply a subcategory to the nested web components

28 Place the cursor over one of the arrayed web components, press TAB to toggle to the web component and click to select it. 29 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 30 Click Yes to open the family for editing. The web component family opens in a 3D view.
31 On the Settings menu, click Object Styles. 32 In the Object Styles dialog box, under Modify Subcategories, click New. 33 In the New Subcategory dialog box, enter Wood Floor Truss - Webs for Name, and click OK. By creating a separate subcategory for the web components, you can apply a different material to all web components when using this truss within a project.
34 Click in the Material field for the Wood Floor Truss - Webs subcategory, and click the button to open the Materials dialog box. 35 In the Materials dialog box, click Duplicate. 36 In the New Material dialog box, enter Wood Floor Truss - Webs, and click OK. 37 In the Materials dialog box, under AccuRender, click .
38 In the Material Library dialog box, navigate to _accurender\Wood\Pine, Yellow, select Natural,No Gloss for Name, and click OK. 39 In the Materials dialog box, click OK. 40 In the Object Styles dialog box, click OK. 41 Select the web extrusion. 42 On the Options Bar, click .
43 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Identity Data, select Wood Floor Truss - Webs for Subcategory, and click OK.
Reload web component into truss family

44 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 45 In the Load into Projects dialog box, select m_Wood Floor Truss_1.rfa, and click OK. 46 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes.
Reload truss into project

47 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 48 In the Load into Projects dialog box, select m_WWF2.rvt, and click OK. 49 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. Notice the new object subcategory styles are applied to the truss components.
50 On the Settings menu, click Object Styles. 51 In the Object Styles dialog box, under Categories, expand Structural Framing.
Creating and Applying Subcategories | 599
Notice the two new subcategories are listed. You can change the style of only the wood truss components without impacting other structural framing components. 52 Click OK. 53 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 54 In the Visibility Graphics dialog box, under Visibility, expand Structural Framing, clear Wood Floor Truss - Webs, and click OK. Notice the web extrusions not longer display; however, the stick symbols continue to display.
55 On the Edit menu, click Undo Visibility/Graphics. 56 On the File menu, click Save As. 57 In the Save as dialog box, navigate to a folder of your preference and save the project with the current name. 58 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Material Parameters on page 600.
Creating Material Parameters

In this exercise, you add a new material parameter that allows you to specify a material for each truss instance. Dataset Continue to use the dataset that you saved in the previous exercise.
Open truss family for editing

1 Select a truss that is not part of the beam system. 2 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 3 Click Yes to open the family for editing.
Create material parameter

4 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 5 In the Family Types dialog box, under Parameters, click Add. 6 In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, do the following:

Enter Floor Truss Material for Name. Select Materials and Finishes for Group parameter under. Select Common for Discipline. Select Material for Type. Select Instance. Click OK.
7 In the Family Types dialog box, notice the default material is By Category.
In this case, do not assign a material to the parameter. When reloaded into a project, this component will continue to use the material assigned to the subcategory by default. This material parameter allows you to assign a material on an instance parameter. 8 Click OK.
Link truss extrusions to material parameter

9 Draw a pick box around the entire truss. 10 On the Options Bar, click .
11 In the Filter dialog box, click Check None, select Structural Framing (Wood Floor Truss), and click OK. Notice the chords and end extrusions remain selected. 12 On the Options Bar, click .
13 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Materials and Finishes, click the button to the right of the Material value field. 14 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog box, select Floor Truss Material, and click OK. 15 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 16 Place the cursor over one of the web components, press TAB, and select the component. 17 On the Options Bar, click .
18 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 19 In the Type Properties dialog box, under Other, click the button to the right of the WebMaterial value field. 20 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog box, select Floor Truss Material, and click OK. 21 Click OK twice. 22 On the Design Bar, click Modify.

23 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 24 In the Load into Projects dialog box, select m_WWF2.rvt, and click OK. 25 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. Notice the appearance of the floor trusses has not changed. 26 Select a floor truss that is not part of the beam system. 27 On the Options Bar, click .
28 In the Element Properties dialog box, under Materials and Finishes, click the Floor Truss Material field and click the button that displays. 29 In the Materials dialog box, select Metal - Steel for Name, and click OK. 30 In the Element Properties dialog box, click OK. 31 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Notice the material is applied only to the selected beam.
Creating Material Parameters | 601
32 On the File menu, click Save. 33 On the File menu, click Close. 34 Close any open files. You can save the open files if you wish. In the next lesson, a new dataset is supplied. 35 Proceed to the next lesson, Controlling Component Visibility on page 602.
Controlling Component Visibility

In this lesson, you add controls to specify the views in which each element displays and at what detail level.
Assigning Detail Level and View Controls

In this exercise, you designate the display of elements in specific views and at specific detail levels.
Datasets

On the File menu, click Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog box, click the Training Files icon. Open the m_WWF3.rvt file located in the Metric folder.
Change detail levels

1 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level, and click Coarse.
Notice the rim joist no longer displays. However, notice the floor truss has not changed appearance, because you have yet to assign a detail level to each of the elements within the truss family. Currently within the truss, all elements display at all times in all views.
2 Select a floor truss. 3 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 4 Click Yes to open the family for editing.
Apply detail level controls to web components

5 Select a web component. 6 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 7 Click Yes to open the family for editing. 8 Select the web extrusion. 9 On the Options Bar, click Visibility. 10 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog box, specify the following:

Under View Specific Display, clear Plan/RCP. Clear Left/Right. Under Detail Levels, clear Coarse. Click OK.
11 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 12 In the Load into Projects dialog box, select m_Wood Floor Truss_1.rfa, and click OK. 13 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. Notice the appearance of the floor trusses has not changed.
Assign detail level to center chase extrusions

14 Select the center chase extrusions. 15 On the Options Bar, click Visibility. 16 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog box, specify the following:

Under View Specific Display, clear Plan/RCP. Clear Left/Right. Under Detail Levels, clear Coarse. Click OK.
Assigning Detail Level and View Controls | 603
Assign detail level to truss ends

17 Select the end extrusions. 18 On the Options Bar, click Visibility. 19 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog box, specify the following:

Under View Specific Display, clear Plan/RCP. Under Detail Levels, clear Coarse. Click OK.
Assign detail level to truss chords

20 Select the truss chords. 21 On the Options Bar, click Visibility. 22 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog box, specify the following:

Under Detail Levels, clear Coarse. Click OK.

23 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 24 In the Load into Projects dialog box, select m_WWF3.rvt, and click OK. 25 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. Notice that the floor truss solid geometry is not displayed.
26 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level, and click Medium. Notice the floor truss solid geometry is displayed. 27 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 28 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level, and click Coarse.
Notice the symbolic representation of the beams.
29 On the File menu, click Save As. 30 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to your preferred location and save the project with the current name. 31 Proceed to the next lesson, Creating Component Types on page 605.
Creating Component Types

In this lesson, you create multiple floor truss types to speed up the design process when working in a project. In the final exercise, you create a conditional formula that adjusts the truss depth based on the truss length.
Creating Multiple Component Types

In this exercise, you create multiple types for a 89x38 truss and a 64x38 truss. Although you can change the parameters of a truss within a project, creating predefined types can speed up the design process.
Open the truss family for editing

Create new types

4 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 5 In the Family Types dialog box, under Family Types, click New. 6 In the New dialog box, enter 89x38 for Name, and click OK. 7 In the Family Types dialog box, under Family Types, click New. 8 In the New dialog box, enter 64x38 for Name, and click OK. 9 In the Family Types dialog box, under Dimensions, enter 64mm for Chord Width, and click Apply. Notice the chord changes width. 10 Select 89x38 for Name, and click Apply. The truss returns to its original designed value. NOTE When creating new components, create types for those most frequently used in your projects. 11 Click OK.
Creating Component Types | 605
TIP You can also use new types to flex the model.
Load new types into the project

12 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 13 In the Load into Projects dialog box, select m_WWF3.rvt, and click OK. 14 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. 15 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Beam. 16 In the Type Selector, select 64x38. 17 Add a beam in the center of the open space. 18 In the Type Selector, select 89x38. 19 Add a beam next to the 64x38. 20 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 21 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click 3D - Southeast Isometric. Notice the two beam types.
22 On the File menu, click Save. 23 Proceed to the final exercise, Creating Conditional Formulas on page 606.
Creating Conditional Formulas

In this exercise, you create a conditional formula that changes the depth automatically as the truss increases in length.
Open the truss for editing

Adding a conditional formula

4 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. You are going to enter a conditional formula that follows this basic rule: IF ( <condition>, <result-if-true>, <result-if-false>) 5 In the Family Types dialog box, under Dimensions, enter the follow formula for Depth: if(Length < 6600, 286, if(Length < 7500, 350, if(Length < 9000, 400, 400))) 6 Click Apply.
Flex the design

7 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 8000 for length, and click Apply. Notice the truss depth increases. 8 In the Family Types dialog box, enter 6000 for length, click Apply, and click OK.
Load the truss into the project

9 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 10 In the Load into Projects dialog box, select m_WWF3.rvt, and click OK. 11 In the Reload Family dialog box, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes.
Test the conditional formula within a project

12 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 13 Select Grid 2 and drag it downward until it is between 8000-9000mm from Grid 1. 14 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click 3D - Southeast Isometric. 15 Notice the change in floor truss depth. NOTE You would have to change the depth of the sill and rim joist to accommodate this change. 16 On the File menu, click Save. IMPORTANT When you changed the width of the building footprint, you probably noticed a change in the amount of time the view needed to regenerate. Regeneration time and overall performance can be affected by over-designed families. You have completed this tutorial. 17 Close any open files.
Creating Conditional Formulas | 607

Revit Creating Family

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Revit Creating Family

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Creating Families

414 | Chapter 12 Creating Families

About Families and the Family Editor

Using Families and the Family Editor

System Standard Component In-place

Standard Component Families

416 | Chapter 12 About Families and the Family Editor

Adding a family to a project

Introduction to the Family Editor

Introduction to the Family Editor | 417

When to use the Family Editor

How to use the Family Editor

General procedure for creating a standard component family

418 | Chapter 12 About Families and the Family Editor

Creating Components in the Family Editor

Creating a Door Family

Drawing the Door Plan View Components

420 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor

Create a new family based on the default door template

Draw the door panel plan view representation

Drawing the Door Plan View Components | 421

Dimension the door panel

422 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor

Add dimension labels to the door leaf

Drawing the Door Plan View Components | 423

Draw the door opening plan view arc

424 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor

Add a reference plane for the exterior face of the door

Creating the Door Leaf Solid Geometry

Creating the Door Leaf Solid Geometry | 425

426 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor

14 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Ref. Level.

Specify the visibility of the door leaf in plan view

Creating the Door Leaf Solid Geometry | 427

20 On the Options Bar, click

Assigning Materials to the Door Components

Create a new material based on the existing red oak material

Assign the Oak Door material to the door leaf

Assign the Oak Door material to the door frame

15 On the Options Bar, click

16 In the Element Properties dialog box, click

428 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor

The door frame is assigned the new Oak Door material.

View the new door

22 Zoom in on a door corner.

Flex the door model

Assigning Materials to the Door Components | 429

Notice the door geometry adapts to the new dimension values.

Defining New Door Types

Define new door types with various heights and widths

430 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor

4 In the Family Types dialog box, specify the following:

Load the new door family into a new project

Place new door types in the project

Defining New Door Types | 431

23 On the View toolbar, click

432 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor

Creating a Window Family

Creating a Window Family | 433

Specifying the New Window Parameters

Create a new family based on the default window template

434 | Chapter 13 Creating Components in the Family Editor