The Classification of Revit Families

Part 1: Classification of Revit Families
Part 2: The Revit Family Editor User Interface
Part 3: The Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, Keyboard Shortcuts and Snaps
Part 4: How to Use Work Planes in Revit
Part 5: How to Dimension with Revit
Part 6: Using Revit Draw and Modify Tools
Part 7.1: Modeling Basics: The Family Editor Modeling Tools
Part 7.2: Modeling Basics: How to Create Simple Parameters in Revit
Part 8: Applying Materials in Revit
Part 9: Introduction to Revit Conceptual Massing
Part 10: How to Practice Revit Family Modeling
Classification of Revit Families

Michael Anonuevo posted on November 16, 2015 | 1 Comment 18264 views
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The universe of Revit families. (Image courtesy of the author.)
Over the last decade, we have seen the architecture, engineering and construction
(AEC) industry shifting to building information modeling (BIM). Worldwide, Autodesk
Revit Architecture has become one of the most popular BIM software tools. Most
users favor the program because it works well with AutoCAD. Numerous
architectural companies embrace Revit because it works extremely well in
coordinating various areas of project administration.
Autodesk Revit logo. (Image courtesy of Autodesk.)
Nowadays, most job postings for architectural professionals require knowledge or
expertise in Revit. But as popular as it is in the industry, it is still hard to find qualified
and experienced Revit users. In my 10 years of experience as a Revit user, Ive
observed that the problem lies in any of the following factors:
Lack of knowledge: New users have knowledge of the software but dont
know how to put a building together.
Aversion to change: Users of CAD software (AutoCAD, Vectorworks,
Sketchup, etc.) are reluctant to change or dont want to change. AutoCAD has
been around since 1982; by 1986, it became the standard for computer-aided
design used in the AEC industry before the advent of BIM software. As such,
users of the program have a hard time transitioning to Revit because they are
so used to AutoCADs fast redraws, quick drawing methods and typed
commands. They tend to compare AutoCAD with Revit.
3D aptitude: Users who want to change but dont have the aptitude for 3D.
Ive observed that certain users, no matter how much you train them, simply
cannot grasp the Revit 3D concepts. They are not able to visualize in 3D.
Training time takes longer for these individuals.
Time: Users who dont want to invest time in training themselves.
Impatience: Users being impatient in the learning process; those who think
they can browse through the learning process quickly, thereby resulting in
errors (e.g., carelessly deleting an entire floor or link). By contrast, those who
study the software, take notes, practice and experiment, tend to grasp the
software very easily.
Lack of training: Previous users of other CAD software who have migrated
and transitioned to Revit with minimal or no training at all.
Low mastery: Users who are thrust into learning the software (in a
workplace, on an actual project) face a surplus of mistakes, errors and

confusion as they dont practice and experiment at home or in their spare
time. They dont master the program and are just barely able to apply what
theyve learned from their training. Most of the time, actual work involves
creating new walls, annotations, revisions and more relatively simple stuff. As
a result, there is no time for studying and learning Design Options, Phasing,
creating families, etc.
Having worked with large architectural firms, Ive observed that unless you are
specifically hired to be a project manager, designer, or project coordinator with Revit
experience, you will be thrown into generating CDs. In the CDs phase, maybe 10
percent of effort, if even that, is devoted to family creation. This is because the
company already has a collection of families or there is a Revit guru who handles the
families. Thus, when given the task, family creation becomes a nerve-wracking and
arduous task. In this series, I will go over the process of family creation and how to
study and create them in a methodical way. This series will consist of:
Part 1 Classification of Revit Families
Part 2 The Family Editor User Interface
Includes Properties Palette, Project Browser, Viewcube, Navigation Bar,
Steering Wheel and View Control Bar
Part 3 The Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, Keyboard Shortcuts and Snaps
Part 4 Work Planes
Part 5 Dimensions
Part 6 Modifying and Editing Tools
Includes the Draw panel
Part 7 Modeling
Includes tutorials, samples, etc.
Parameters
Part 8 Materials
Part 9 Introduction to Conceptual Massing
Part 10 How to Practice Revit Family Modeling
Part 1 Classification of Revit Families
Families are classified into three types:
Figure 1. System families. (Image courtesy of the author.)

System Families
These are basic components used to create a building project. Examples are
ceilings, walls, floors, stairs, railings, ramps and topo surfaces (see Figure 1).
They are also elements used in documentation such as levels, grids, callouts, tags
and detail components. System families are built into the software and cannot be
deleted. Their types, properties and behavior are predefined by Revit and cannot be
changed. They can, however, be duplicated to form new types with editable
parameters. They also host component families that are hosted in other families,
such as doors and windows.
Figure 2. Component family examples. (Image courtesy of the author.)
Component Families
These are models created outside the project environment using the Family Editor
(Figure 2). They are loadable families that can be placed, duplicated, deleted and
modified. They can be host-based or freestanding.

Host-based families are components that attach or host to system families such as
walls, ceilings, floors or any surface in the project environment. Creating component
families is the main focus of this article.
In-Place Families: These families are components created in a project
environment. The creation process is the same as creating a loadable family
from scratch in the Family Editor. This process is accessed by clicking the
Model In-Place command (Architecture>Build>Component) in a Project file.
This feature is provided so users can create unique families specific to a
project such as custom parapets, roof elements and casework. See the
curved shelf in Figure 3.
Figure 3. In-place family example, curved shelf. (Image courtesy of the author.)
In-place families can be copied and pasted from project to project. When grouped,
they can be saved outside the project as a loadable Revit family. This is how it is
done:
1. Create your in-place family (Architecture>Build>Component>Model In-Place)

2. While in the editing mode, select and group your in-place components.
(Create>Create Group).
3. While still in the editing mode, select the grouped components then click the
Application button (the R Revit logo on the top left); click Save
As>Library>Group.
4. In the Save Group dialog box, you have the option to rename the group or
keep the group name. Notice that the file type is .rfa (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Saving an in-place family. (Image courtesy of the author.)
Note: Do not choose Library>Family. That function is for saving all the families (in the
current project youre working on) in a designated folder on your computer.
Figure 5 A and B: Left: initial design stages using massing tools, right: refined design as
system components. (Image courtesy of the author.)
Conceptual Massing Families
The massing environment in Revit is where the design begins. In the initial stages of
a project, conceptualization can be done using Revits massing tools. The building
modeling tools and system families in the project environment can also be used for
design concepts. However, they are limited because they lack the tools for creating
abstract mass forms. By using the massing tools, flexible and organic shapes can be
created (Figure 5 A). The final mass form can then be turned into Revit system
components such as curtain walls, floors and roofs (Figure 5 B). Mass Forms can be
created as In-Place or Loadable mass families.
Conclusion
In the two eBooks I released in 2012 and 2015, I emphasized the following:
Being proficient in Revit family modeling is like learning how to play a musical
instrument. It doesnt matter if you are a beginner, a prodigy, or a seasoned
musician. You have to do the time. By this, I mean practicing for countless number of
hours, learning how to read music, doing the boring scales, getting to know the
instrument intimately, joining a band, etc. No amount of Revit tutorials, theoretical
knowledge, research and literature will make you a good Revit modeler unless you
actually sit down and create as much families as you can. There is no shortcut.
Figure 6. Revit properties pallet and toolbar. (Image courtesy of the author.)
The key to learning how to create quality Revit families is to understand the Family
Editor modeling concepts and component creation process. New users tend to dive
in and browse through the myriad of tools available in the ribbon menu without
understanding how things work in Revit. The software is user-friendly in the sense
that certain functions are obvious. However, unlike other BIM software, some Revit
functions are buried within its Properties Palette and tool bar options (Figure 6). This
can be confusing and frustrating for beginners or those trying to transition to BIM.
However, when the concepts and methodology are grasped, Revit family creation is
not that difficult. By learning how to use the Form making tools properly in
combination with the Modifying tools, complex shapes can be created and put
together to form a family. They can be a one-of-a-kind family with only a material
parameter such as a stool (Figure 7 A), or a complex family such as the saxophone
(Figure 7 B).
Figure 7 A and B. One-of-a-kind families. (Image courtesy of the author.)
Current Articles | Archives

The Revit Family Editor User Interface
Michael Anonuevo posted on December 03, 2015 | Comment 10369 views
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In my previous post, I wrote about Revit family classifications. Autodesk defines
them as three types: system families, loadable families, and In-Place families.
However, I classified them as:
1. System families
2. Component families consisting of in-place families and loadable families
3. Conceptual massing families

In my opinion, my classification covers the entire gamut of Revit families. Heres
why:
Loadable families and In-Place families have the same creation process and tools,
and that is why I classified them under component families. In the Revit ribbon menu,
youll see the difference in the last panel. In-Place families display the green check
mark and red X mark buttons in the In-Place Editor panel (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. The In-Place Family Editor panel.
In the separate Family Editor panel, this is replaced with a Load into Project button
(see Figure 2).
Figure 2. The Family Editor panel.
Their only difference is where they are created from. In-Place families are created
within a project (Architecture>Component>Model-in-Place) while loadable families
are created in the Family Editor, outside the project environment. You could think of
In-Place families as including the Family Editor in the Project interface. Contrary to
some misconceptions, In-Place families can be saved as loadable families, as Ive
demonstrated in Part 1 of this series.
On the other hand, conceptual massing components are also families, but created in
an entirely different way. Even the ribbon menu is configured in a different way (see
Figure 3). They are also loadable and can also be created in a project (Massing &
Site>In-Place Mass).
Figure 3. The Conceptual Massing Family Editor interface.

The Conceptual Massing Family Editor is a separate program within Revit, just like
the Family Editor. It allows you to create massing components that can be loaded
into a project and turned into building components (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. A pyramid mass turned into a project building component assigned with a brick
wall.
When you click the application button (the R Revit logo on the top left), the New fly-
out menu even contains a separate button for Conceptual Mass (see Figure 5).
Figure 5. The New>Conceptual Mass menu item.
Now that were clear on this, lets take a look at the Family Editor interface and how
its important for you to be familiar with it in order to generate families efficiently.
The Family Editor Window
So far, there had been no major changes to the Family Editor interface since
Autodesk implemented the ribbon menu. The Project and the Family Editor interface
share similar ribbon tools. However, the Family Editor has fewer tools. The tools in
the ribbon are specific to creating families.
The term Family is synonymous to loadable 3D components used in other BIM
software. For example, it is termed GDL in ARCHICAD. In Vectorworks, it is known
simply as Symbols. Family is the word chosen by Autodesk because of the
components relationship with the building project.
You can switch between a family and a project file back and forth, just like you would
in a project when youre opening multiple views and sheets. It shows up when you
click the Switch Windows button (see Figure 6).

Figure 6. The Switch Windows button in the Quick Access menu.
Here are the parts of the Family Editor window (see Figure 7):
Figure 7. The Family Editor window interface.
The Viewcube is added to the drawing/modeling area when the view is switched to
any 3D view (see Figure 8).

Figure 8. The Viewcube.
Here are the descriptions of the parts in the Family Editor window:
1. Application: When clicked, the pop-up menu contains common file
management commands, including advanced commands such as Export and
Publish. The Options button accesses the Options dialog box, which contains
numerous options and preferences for customizing Revit.
2. Quick Access Toolbar (QAT): A customizable toolbar that contains a set of
default tools. Users can add frequently-used tools here and arrange them in
any order. The toolbar can also be relocated below the ribbon (right click the
QAT>Show Quick Access Toolbar below the ribbon).
3. File Name: This text heading consists of the Revit version, the file name and
the name of the active view.
4. InfoCenter: Contains buttons for accessing additional information and
resources pertaining to Autodesk subscription, product support and other Help
files.
5. Close button: Closes the Revit session.
6. Ribbon: Area where the tabs containing panels and tools are located.
7. Options Bar: Contains additional options when a tool or component is
selected. It can be relocated at the bottom of the drawing area, above the
status bar. To do this, right click the bar and select Dock at the bottom.
8. Properties palette: Contains information pertaining to the current view, the
family template, or the selected Revit element. It is a floating palette that can
be docked and relocated anywhere on the screen. It can be left closed to gain
more screen space.
9. Project Browser: Palette shows all the views of a family file, including nested
families and groups. Like the Properties palette, it can be relocated anywhere
on the screen or left closed.
10. Drawing/modeling area: Displays the file being worked on.
11. Navigation bar: Contains tools and options for zooming, panning and
orienting the current view.
12. View Control bar: Contains tools for visualizing a model. It includes settings
for scale, level of detail, graphic display options and visual styles. It also has
options for saving an orientation, locking and cropping a view and temporarily
hiding or isolating an element.
13. Status bar: Displays the type and name of a selected element or nested
family. It also displays hints and tips pertaining to a selected tool.
14. Filter buttons: Tools pertaining to selecting objects. It has a filter tool button
that displays the total count of selected elements, Drag Elements on Selection
button and four selection tools. These tools select specific elements in a
project and family such as links, underlay, pinned elements and face of
elements.
15. Minimize, Restore Down, Close buttons: Minimize allows a current window
to be resized; Restore Down toggles the view between a maximized and
minimized window setting; Close closes the current file but keeps Revit open.
16. Viewcube: Navigational tool that can be left displayed or hidden. It is a visual
indicator of the current viewpoint of a model. Clicking or dragging any of its
corners, edges and surfaces rotates the model at its center point. Additional
options are available when it is right-clicked.
The Properties Palette and Project Browser
When a family template is opened, there are two windows docked on the left side of
the drawing area by default. These are the Properties palette and the Project
Browser (see Figure 9). Each window can be pulled out from its location by dragging
the top bar as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 9. The Properties palette and the Project Browser. Figure 10. The top bar can be
dragged.
The Properties palette and the Project Browser can be docked on the top, bottom,
right and left sides of the drawing area, or left floating. They can also be placed side
by side (see Figure 11), separately, or as one palette by dragging the top bar to any
of the borders of the other palette. You also have the ability to dock the palettes in
one window and combine them as tabs (see Figure 12). This is done by dragging the
top bar of a palette to the top bar of the other palette. To separate them, simply drag
the tab (located at the bottom) outside the window.

Figure 11. Side-by-side configuration. Figure 12. Tabs configuration.
There are four important functions to remember in the Properties palette (see Figure
13). These are:
1. Type Selector
2. Properties filter
3. Edit Type
4. Instance properties
Figure 13. The four main parts of the Properties palette.
Type Selector: This area of the palette remains dimmed until an element is selected
and there are other elements with the same type. It then becomes a Type Selector
(see Figure 14) where the name of the selected type is displayed. Clicking the drop-
down arrow displays other available types.
Figure 14. Type Selector.

Properties Filter: This is a drop-down list (see Figure 15) containing the properties
of the active view or the template being used. When an element is selected, it is
added to this list by its category name. It is also a filter that displays the number of
instances of selected elements. Choosing a category displays its properties while the
elements remain selected.
Figure 15. Drop-down list in the Properties palette.

Edit Type: When an element containing Type parameters (e.g. nested family) is
selected, this button becomes active. Clicking Edit Type opens the Type properties
dialog box of the selected component and displays its user-editable and read-only
properties (see Figure 16). The type can then be duplicated and its values can be
modified. Thereafter, the new type is added to the Type Selector. Alternatively, the
Edit Type button can be accessed from the Modify tab>Properties.

Figure 16. Edit Type button.
Instance Properties: When an element or component is selected, its read-only and
user-editable properties are displayed in the Properties palette (see Figure 17).
Figure 17. The main window in the Properties palette.
In Figure 17, when the right side of a Material text box is clicked, a blue button
momentarily appears (1). This is the Materials button. Clicking it opens the Material
Browser. The little rectangular button on the right side of a text box is the Associate
Family Parameter button (2). Clicking it opens the Associate Family Parameter
dialog box where a parameter from the list can be associated to a selected
component. A new parameter can also be created by clicking the Add parameter
button (in the Associate Family Parameter window). After clicking OK, the
rectangular box displays an equals sign (3). This is the Parametric Indicator. The text
boxes under the Materials and Finishes heading (4) displays the materials of a
selected component or nested family. Typing a material name in the text field is an
alternative way of specifying a material, provided the material exists and typed as
spelled in the Material Browser. Gray text (5) indicates a material associated with a
material parameter.
The Navigation Bar
The navigation bar is located at the top right of the drawing area in 2D views (see
Figure 18). In a 3D view, it appears below the ViewCube (see Figure 19). It provides
additional navigation tools including Steering Wheel tools and Zoom tools.
Figure 18. The navigation bar. Figure 19. The navigation bar in a 3D view.
The Steering Wheel
The Steering Wheel is a tracking menu that follows the cursor when the tool is
accessed from the navigation bar (see Figure 20). It combines the common tools in
the navigation bar into its interface. Depending on the current view, its appearance
changes. To use it, the wheel is dragged over the model where the cursor is placed
above the desired wheel command. Left-clicking and dragging the cursor over this
command causes the wheel to temporarily disappear, replaced by a different cursor
representing the command. Below this cursor is the name of the tool (see Figure 21).
Figure 20. The Steering Wheel. Figure 21. The name of the navigation command.
It would take hundreds of pages to explain all the parts in the Family Editors
interface. I only emphasized the Properties palette and Project Browser because
youll be dealing with them all the time. In your spare time, spend some time
familiarizing yourself with the buttons in the ribbon menu. Experiment with the
Properties palette, the Project Browser, the View control bar, and the navigation bar.
Draw simple shapes and try out the tools in the menu.
Boring as it may seem, if you always keep in mind that Revit is the main software
used in your livelihood, then invest time in learning it. BIM is here to stay and if you
want to be part of the scene for the next decade or so, learn Revit!
The Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, Keyboard Shortcuts
and Snaps
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Now that youre familiar with the Revit Family Editor interface, lets take a look at
some more elements and tools that will make you work efficiently in Revit. They are:
1. The ribbon
2. The Quick Access toolbar
3. Keyboard shortcuts
4. Snaps
1. The Ribbon
The ribbon in the Family Editor is much simpler than the ribbon in the project
environment. Depending on the family template being used, it is composed of at
least six to seven tabs. Each tab is divided by panels. A panel contains buttons
(tools) with functions that are related to what the panel name suggests (see Figure
1).
Figure 1. The ribbon.

For example, any button that lets you load or import an image can be found in the
Insert tab. The Insert tab is divided into panels that group the buttons by function
(e.g. a DWG file can be imported into a family by clicking the Import CAD button from
the Import panel as shown in Figure 2).
Figure 2. Insert > Import > Import CAD.
Ribbon Settings
There are three ways to maximize screen space when working with a small screen
or a laptop. On the far right of the default ribbon configuration are two small arrows
(see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Minimize ribbon arrows.
These are the Minimize ribbon arrows. Clicking the small downward-facing arrow at
the far right opens a drop-down list containing three different ribbon configurations,
namely:
Minimize to Tabs
Minimize to Panel Titles
Minimize to Panel Buttons

The upward-facing arrow on the left is a toggle button that switches between the
default ribbon configuration and what is chosen from the list in the downward-facing
arrow.
Contextual Tab
When a component is selected, the tab switches to a contextual tab that displays
options pertaining to the selected tool or component (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. Contextual tab.
The Options bar and the Properties palette also contain user-editable settings
related to the selected component.
2. The Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar, located on top of the ribbon tabs by default, is a bar
where users can add button shortcuts to their most frequently used tools (see Figure
5).
Figure 5. The Quick Access Toolbar.
Properly arranging them reduces mouse clicks for a faster workflow. The users
concentration is focused on the design and creation process and not on constantly
figuring out where the most frequently used tools are located.
Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
The first thing to keep in mind is that the Quick Access Toolbar is common to the
project environment and the Family Editor. They share the same content. The default
tools contained in the Quick Access Toolbar are basic tools. Commonly used tools
can be added and rearranged in any order. Adding a tool is accomplished by right-
clicking a tool and clicking the Add to Quick Access Toolbar from the contextual
menu that pops up (see Figure 6).
Figure 6. Right-clicking on top of a tool to add it to the Quick Access Toolbar.
The tool is then added to the far right of the Quick Access Toolbar (see Figure 7).
Figure 7. Tools are added to the Quick Access Toolbar on the far right by default.
At the far end of the Quick Access Toolbar is a drop-down arrow called the
Customize Quick Access Toolbar (see Figure 8). Clicking it opens a drop-down
menu containing the names of the tools currently in the Quick Access Toolbar. The
check mark in front of a tool name toggles the visibility of that particular tool in the
Quick Access Toolbar. Towards the bottom is the Customize Quick Access Toolbar
option.
Figure 8. The Customize Quick Access Toolbar drop-down arrow.
Clicking it opens the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dialog box where the tools
can be organized or rearranged (see Figure 9).

Figure 9. The Customize Quick Access Toolbar dialog box.
3. Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts offer a faster way of accessing tools. Here are a few things to
consider:
Memorize the default keyboard shortcuts: Some of the tools in the Family
Editor contain default keyboard shortcuts assigned by Autodesk. It will be time
well spent because they dont change when new releases of Revit come out.
The following is a list of the default keyboard shortcuts.
Align AL
Aligned Dimension DI
Array AR
Cascade Windows WC
Copy CO/CC
Create Group GP
Edit Witness Lines EW
Graphic Display Options GD
Keyboard Shortcuts KS
Match Type Properties MA
Mirror - Draw Axis DM
Mirror - Pick Axis MM
Model Line LI
Move MV
Offset OF
Paint PT
Place a Component CM
Project Units UN
Properties PP
Reference Plane RP
Rotate RO
Scale RE
Snap Centers SC
Snap Endpoints SE
Snap Intersections SI
Snap Midpoints SM
Snap Nearest SN
Snap Off SO
Snap Perpendicular SP
Snap Tangents ST
Split Element SL
Split Face SF
Text TX
Thin Lines TL
Tile Windows WT
Trim/Extend to Corner TR
Visibility: Hide Element HH
Visibility: Isolate Element HI
Visibility/Graphics VG/VV
Visibility: Reset Temp.
Hide/Isolate HR
Visual Style: Hidden Line HL
Visual Style: Shaded with
Edges SD
Visual Style: Wireframe WF
Zoom in Region ZR/ZZ
Zoom: All to Fit ZA
Zoom: Previous ZP
Note: The letters can be typed in lowercase or uppercase.
Know where the tools in the ribbon are located: Study the function of each tool
and memorize which tab they belong to. Tools are grouped by functionality
and logical order. This way, in case a keyboard shortcut for a tool is forgotten,
the tool can be easily found on the ribbon. Try out all the tools and commands
to see how they work. Make a list of the most frequently used tools before
customizing the keyboard shortcuts.
The Keyboard Shortcuts Dialog Box (see Figure 10) has its own keyboard
shortcut: KS.
Figure 10. The Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box.
It can also be accessed from the View tab (Windows panel > User Interface). The
dialog box contains:
1. A Search field for finding a particular command (see A, Figure 10 above)
2. A filter drop-down menu to narrow down a search (see B, Figure 10 above)
3. An Export button (see 3, Figure 10 above) that lets you save the keyboard
shortcuts as an XML file that can be opened with a spreadsheet program and
printed
Rules for assigning keyboard shortcuts:
Up to five unique alphanumeric keys can be assigned
Keyboard modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl and Alt) can be combined with one
alphanumeric key
The Alt key must be combined with Shift and/or Ctrl
Reserved keys cannot be altered
Multiple keyboard shortcuts can be assigned for each tool, and the same
shortcuts can be assigned to multiple tools
4. Snaps
Snaps are specific geometrically defined points where the cursor is pulled to when
elements and components are created, modified or dimensioned. When snap points
are detected, they display in magenta. The shapes give a clue as to the type of snap
available at that point. When the tooltip assistance is enabled from the Options*
dialog box, the type of snap is displayed along with a snap indicator as shown in the
examples in Figure 11.
*(Application > Options > User Interface > Configure > Tooltip assistance)
To summarize, here are a few suggestions and important things to remember in this
part of the series:

1. To work faster in the Family Editor, understand how the tabs, panels and tools
are organized.
2. Take advantage of the Quick Access Toolbar. Add your frequently used tools
here, such as the Materials button.
3. Using keyboard shortcuts, as opposed to clicking the ribbon tools, is a matter
of personal preference. However, instead of constantly maneuvering the
mouse to open a tab or access a tool, consider typing in the one- or two-letter
combinations. In most cases, this is faster than using the mouse. Memorize
the default Revit keyboard shortcuts (e.g. TR for trim).
4. Snaps are an integral part of any 2D or 3D program. Knowing how to use
them allows you to work accurately. Revit implementation of snaps is simple
and powerful yet does not interfere in modeling tasks. Experiment on how
they work.
How to Use Work Planes in Revit
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Now that youve familiarized yourself with the tools in the ribbon, configured your
Quick Access Toolbar, assigned your keyboard shortcuts and experimented with the
snaps in Part 3 of this series, its time to gear yourself up for modeling, starting with
work planes.
Figure 1. The Show button.
In the 3D world, the work plane is the surface where 3D elements are created and
where 2D lines are sketched. Any element modeled in Revit requires a work plane.
When the Show button is clicked from the Create > Work Plane of the Family Editor
(see Figure 1), the active work plane is represented by a light blue surface as shown
in Figure 2.
Figure 2. The work planeshown in 3D view.
In the Project Browser > Views of a project, work planes are referred to as Level 1,
Level 2 and Site (see Figure 3). Additional levels can also be added.
In the Project Browser > Views of the Family Editor, the default work plane is
referred to as the Ref. Level (reference level), as shown in Figure 4.

Thereafter, when the family is loaded into a project, you have the option to associate
its base location (the Ref. Level) with a specific level. Your other options are as
follows:
1. Accept the default base location of the family in the level as it is brought into
the project. In most cases, the family will be sitting on top of the Ref. Level
work plane. After loading the family into the project, it will rest on top of the
levels work plane.
2. After loading the family in a project, enter a value in the Constraints > Offset
field of the Properties palette (see Figure 5) or leave it at 0' 0".
3. Enter a value in a specific field in the Properties palette if the family is
parametric and was created with an offset parameter. In Figure 6, the family
was created with an instance parameter named Dist. from Floor.

The Reference Planes
These are the green dashed lines you see in a project. They are used for locating
walls or aligning objects. In the family editor, reference planes are used mainly as
construction linessort of like sketch or guide lines that can be left in a view or
hidden with the Hide Element command (see Figure 7).
Figure 7. Reference planes used as construction and guide lines.
When creating a new family using the Generic Model template, two pinned reference
planes are shown in the Ref. Level view by default (see Figure 8). When the cursor
hovers on top of the vertical reference plane, it is named Center (Left/Right) while
the horizontal reference plane is named Center (Front/Back).

Figure 8. Default reference planes in a Generic Model template.
Their intersection corresponds to the tip of the cursor when a family is being placed
in the plan view of a project (see Figure 9).
Figure 9. In a project, a loaded family appears at the tip of the cursor.
The length of a reference plane is infinite and has no start or end points. What is
being drawn is a symbolic representation of an infinite plane. It is initially used for
sketching the general shape of a family. After laying them out, it is much easier to
draw numerous components derived from extrusion, sweep, blend and revolve tools
(see Figure 10).
Figure 10. Reference planes are used as construction and guide lines.
While in a sketch mode (or after finishing the sketch), a line in an extrusion can be
locked with the reference plane it's on top of by using the align tool to click both lines
and then clicking the lock icon (see Figure 11).

Figure 11. Aligning a reference plane to the edge of a finished component and clicking the
lock icon.
This locking process is the first step when you want to create a parametric family.
Reference planes are used to drive geometry attached to them. When a dimension is
added between reference planes and labeled, parameters can be assigned,
including height, width and length (see Figure 12).

Figure 12. Adding labeled dimensions to make a component parametric.
Therefore, when the value of a parameter is changed, the component and the
reference plane adjust accordingly (see Figure 13).

Figure 13. The reference plane and component updates when the value of a labeled
dimension is changed.
Note: Parameters will be discussed in Part 7 of this series.
When a reference plane is named, it automatically becomes a work plane (e.g. top of
cylinder). This named reference plane is added to the Name drop-down list from the
Work Plane dialog box (see Figure 14), which is accessed by clicking the Set button
(Create > Work Plane).

Figure 14. Named reference planes are added to the Create > Set > Work Plane dialog box.
Figure 15. The Is Reference drop-down list.
In the Family Editor, reference planes are only visible in plan, elevation and section
views. When loaded into a project, they are not visible and become the elements to
which dimensions snap. When selected, a reference plane has a feature called Is
Reference (see Figure 15).
This feature determines the snapping hierarchy to which dimensions snap in a
project. For example, when Strong Reference is assigned to a reference plane

adjacent to a reference plane that has been assigned a Weak Reference, the
dimension will snap to the Strong Reference first.
The Is Reference drop-down list consists of the following:
Not a Reference (lowest in the hierarchy)
Strong Reference (highest in the hierarchy)
Weak Reference
Left
Center (Left/Right)
Right
Front
Center (Front/Back)
Back
Bottom
Center (Elevation)
Top
Reference Lines
These are the solid green lines used as work planes in the Family Editor to
overcome the limitations of the reference planes. Reference lines are used to control
angular constraints and radial shapes of a family. Unlike reference planes, reference
lines have start and end points that can be dimensioned. They are visible in all
views. When selected, reference lines consist of four work planes (see Figure 16):
two on the line perpendicular to each other (A) and one at each end perpendicular to
the line (B).
Figure 16. Reference lines.
Faces of Existing Elements
All surfaces of family components are work planes. A surface can be specifically
assigned as the active work plane by clicking the Set button (Create > Work Plane)
and choosing the Pick a plane option from the Work Plane dialog box. After clicking
OK, any surface that is clicked becomes the active work plane.
Modeling while in a 3D View
In the Family Editor, models are mostly created in 2D views (plan, elevation or
section views). Because modeling involves drawing 2D profiles in sketch mode, it

makes sense to sketch them in 2D views. However, there are situations where
modeling while in a 3D view is much more efficient. One example is when a user
wants to visualize how the profile looks in relation to the overall shape of the
component. This is accomplished by using the Set tool (Create > Work Plane) and
choosing the Pick a plane button. After this option is selected, any surface of the
component selected becomes the active work plane (see Figure 17). You can then
model while in the 3D view.
Figure 17. Assigning a new work plane using the Set > Pick a plane option from the Work
Plane dialog box.
Modeling Parallel to a Surface

Figure 18. A family component with a slanted surface.
Suppose you want to draw an extrusion on the face of a slanted surface in a
component. Obviously, making the slanted surface the active work plane and then
sketching the profile from a plan or elevation will display a skewed profile. The
solution here is to assign the slanted surface as the active work plane and then view
its surface parallel to your visionas if youre looking at it in plan view.
Heres how to do it. Say you want to use the extrusion tool to create a logo on top of
the orange surface as shown in Figure 18.
The first thing to do is open any 3D view and then right-click the top of the
ViewCube. From the contextual menu, select Orient to a Plane (see Figure 19).
Figure 19. The Orient to a Plane option.
In the Select Orientation Plane dialog box that pops up, click the Pick a plane button
(see Figure 20).
Figure 20. The Pick a plane button in the Select Orientation Plane dialog box.
This takes you back to the 3D view. Hover your cursor on top of the orange surface,
near the edge. Youll notice that the outline of the surface is highlighted in blue (see
Figure 21). Now click the mouse.

Figure 21. Selecting a slanted surface.
Voila! After clicking the mouse, the orange surface becomes the active work plane
and then automatically rotates so that the slanted surface is parallel to your vision
(see Figure 22). Now you can draw the extrusion profile accurately.
Figure 22. The slanted view orients itself parallel to your vision.
Determining the correct work plane is crucial when building simple to complex family
components. Experiment with drawing profiles from different work planes listed in the
Project Browser. Try modeling on slanted surfaces. Having a good knowledge of
how to work from any work plane will enable you to create complex forms such as
the slot machine shown in Figure 23. The concept is simple. You just have to spend
the time to experiment.

Figure 23. A complex family with different work planes.
How to Dimension with Revit
Michael Anonuevo posted on December 21, 2015 | 1 Comment 12243 views
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Dimensions are by definition a measurement of an object in physical space. In Revit,
they are annotation elements that can measure the size of components and
elements such as height, width and depth. Dimensions also convey an objects
angle, radius, diameter and arc length. They are system families that contain user
editable properties. Users have the option to add new dimension types by duplicating
an existing dimension type, renaming it and then applying custom properties to it.
The new dimension type is then added to the type selector of the Properties palette
(see Figure 1).
Figure 1. New dimension styles are added to the Properties palette.
Permanent and Temporary Dimensions

Dimensions can be permanent and temporary. Permanent dimensions appear in
construction documents, details and illustrations. They display information pertaining
to a project or a building component. Temporary dimensions, however, aid in the
sketching and modeling process. They appear as guides whose values can be
changed as building components are being modeled. They also appear when a
building component is selected. Temporary dimensions are useful in functions such
as the move, copy and rotate commands (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Permanent and temporary dimensions.
For example, when a component is selected in a project, its distance from a wall can
be changed. This is done by selecting the temporary dimension (see Figure 3),
typing a different value and pressing Enter on the keyboard. The location of the
component then updates to its new location (see Figure 4).

In a project file, dimensions are used for annotating building elements that go into
sheets used as construction documents. They are view specific and can also be
used in design development or for in-house purposes.
Dimensions in the Family Editor
On the other hand, dimensions in the Family Editor are used primarily for creating
parametric families controlled by dimensions. These dimensional parameters control
the shape of a component such as height, width, depth, angle and length. This is
done by selecting the dimension and choosing <Add parameter...> from the drop-
down list of the Label option in the Options bar (see Figure 5).
Figure 5. The option in the Options bar.
This opens the Parameter Properties dialog box where the label can be named in the
Parameter Data panel (see Figure 6).
Figure 6. The option in the Options bar.
Note: Parameters will be discussed in part 7 of this series.
Before we go any further, here is an at-a-glance illustration of the different styles of
dimensions and their parts (see Figure 7). The texts in red are the styles, and the
texts in purple are the parts. Study them carefully, and try them out in the Family
Editor.
Figure 7. Dimensions at a glance.
Listening Dimensions
A listening dimension is a form of temporary dimension that appears as an element
is being sketched inside or outside the sketch mode. As soon as it appears (see
Figure 8), a specific value can be entered right away (see Figure 9), even without
selecting the temporary dimensions value. Pressing Enter afterwards draws the
profile at the specified length (see Figure 10).

Listening dimensions look similar to temporary dimensions except that the font is
bold. They appear after the first click of any Draw tool in the sketch mode. The
dimension values interactively change as the cursor is moved after the first click.
The Dimension Panel
The Dimension panel is located in the Annotate tab (see Figure 11) and consists of
five dimension tools:
Figure 11. The Dimension panel.
1. Aligned: The Aligned dimension tool places dimensions between parallel
reference planes, reference lines, model lines, symbolic lines, lines drawn in
sketch mode, parallel edges of components and vertex points of lines or
corners of components (selected by pressing the Tab key). To place a single-
segment dimension, click the first element and then click the second element.
The tool remains active. Moving the cursor at the desired location and clicking
a third time on a blank space establishes the dimension. Alternatively, while
the tool remains active after the second click, other elements can be selected,
thereby creating a multi-segment dimension. To end the multi-segment
dimensions, move the dimension string to the desired location and click on a
blank space.
2. Angular: The Angular dimension tool measures angles between two
elements that meet at a common intersection. These elements can be a part
of a form or they can be edges from multiple components. The first two clicks
select the edges. Moving the cursor at the desired location and clicking a third
time establishes the angle of the selected edges.
3. Radial: The Radial dimension tool measures the radius of a curve, a circle or
an arc. The first click selects the edge to be dimensioned. Moving the preview
of the dimension to the desired location and clicking a second time
establishes the radius dimension.
4. Diameter: The Diameter dimension tool measures the length of a straight line
segment that passes through the center of a circle. Its end points are at the
boundary of the circle. The first click at the edge of a circle displays a line
across the circle with a preview of the diameter value. This line follows the
cursor as it is moved to the desired location. A second click establishes the
diameter.
5. The Arc Length tool measures the length of an arc. The dimensioning
process is accomplished with four clicks. The first click selects the edge of the
arc. The cursor then turns into a "no" symbol (a circle with a slash in the
middle). The second click is at the edge of an element or start or end point of
an arc. The third click is made at the opposite edge of the arc. A preview of
the dimension follows the cursor as it is placed at the desired location and
clicked a fourth time to establish the arc length.
Equality Constraint
Equality constraint is a dimension feature used to maintain equal distance between
multiple components and elements such as reference planes, reference lines and
model lines. This is applied by clicking the blue EQ (equal) icon that appears on a
selected dimension string (see Figure 12).
Figure 12. The EQ icon.
The EQ icon appears with a red slash. Clicking it removes the slash, spaces the
elements equally and replaces the numerical values with EQ (see Figure 13).
Figure 13. After clicking the EQ icon, dimensions are replaced with EQ.
Converting a Temporary Dimension to a Permanent Dimension
When an element is selected, the temporary dimensions display a dimension icon
below the values (see Figure 14).
Figure 14. The dimension icon.
When this is clicked, it turns the temporary dimension into a permanent dimension
(see Figure 15).
Figure 15. The temporary dimension turns into a permanent dimension.
How to Delete a Specific Segment from a Multi-Segment Dimension
Hover the selection cursor on top of the segment you wish to delete then press the
Tab key until the segment highlights in blue (see Figure 16).
Figure 16. Pressing the Tab key while hovering on a dimension segment highlights it in blue.
Click the mouse and then press the Delete key. The segment is deleted (see Figure
17).
Figure 17. The segment is deleted after it highlights in blue and the Delete key is pressed.
Hot Tip: How to Override a Dimension with a Value Different from the
Actual Value
Unlike CAD programs, Revit will not allow you to override a dimension value with
another dimension value without changing the geometry. However, there are
instances in a project where you want to override an actual value with a different
value without it affecting the model. You can do this with a trick in which you use text
that looks like a dimension value.
Here is how to do it:

Hover the cursor on top of a dimension value until a light-blue border appears (see
Figure 18), and then click the mouse.
Figure 18. Selecting a dimension value.
This opens the Dimension Text dialog box (see Figure 19).
Figure 19. The Dimension Text dialog box.
Click the Replace with Text button, and then right click the blank field next to it.
Select the Insert Unicode control character option and then select US Unit Separator
(Segment separator) at the bottom of the contextual menu (see Figure 20).
Figure 20. Selecting the US Unit Separator (Segment separator) option.
The Dimension Text dialog box appears again (see Figure 21). Type a different
value in the Replace with Text field. In this case, 15' 6" will be replaced with 17'
0" (see Figure 21).

Figure 21. Typing a different value in the Replace with Text field.
Click OK and then voila! The actual dimension is overriddenor at least appears to
be (see Figure 22).

Figure 22. Using text replacement will make it look as if the dimension has changed without
updating the wall location.
Caution: Please use this technique only as absolutely needed, since the text will give
the appearance of a real dimension but, now, it won't change if the model is
changed. Consult with your BIM manager before you apply this procedure to your
construction documents.
Placing dimensions properly in Revit demands an understanding of Revits terms
and conventions. Dimensions accurately display the models geometryexcept
when they dont and a text override is used. Place reference planes as guides before
you draw lines in sketch mode. Do the same for components being modeled in the
project environment. Detail and model lines can also be used as reference lines in
the Family Editor. However, dont forget to delete them after you model your
components. The Dimension Text dialog box contains useful options that let you:
Replace a dimension with text
Add a prefix before a dimension value
Add a suffix after a dimension value
Add text below the dimension segment line
Taking advantage of these options allows you to annotate your components clearly
and accurately.
Using Revit Draw and Modify Tools
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In sketch mode, the Draw panel tools of the Family Editor are used to create profiles
that are extruded or blended with other profiles, thereby forming a shape. Outside of
the sketch mode, profiles created from model and symbolic lines are used to create
2D or 3D representation of components.
On the other hand, the Modify panel contains tools for manipulating and editing
components. In sketch mode, they enable sketching and placing of profile elements
quickly and accurately. Using the powerful modifying tools, components can be
copied, duplicated, moved and placed in precise locations.
The Draw Panel
Using any of the Forms tools, all components in a model start with a profile that's
sketched with the Draw panel tools while in sketch mode (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. The Draw panel tools.

The tool icons and the cursor that display after clicking a Draw button provide a clue
as to what type of shape they generate (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Tool icons and cursors.
To understand how the Draw panel tools work, open the Generic Model template
and select the Extrusion tool (Create > Forms). In the sketch mode, draw shapes
using the tools described below.
Parts of the Draw panel:
Line: This tool creates a straight line or a chain of line segments connected to one
another. A listening dimension value can be typed after the first click. Lines can be
drawn offset from their locations. The corners can also be rounded with arcs as the
lines are being sketched by specifying a value in the radius box (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Corners can be rounded while creating lines.
Rectangle: This tool creates a rectangle by clicking two points opposite one another.
As the cursor is moved, the temporary dimensions display the length and width.
Rectangles can also be drawn offset from their locations. The corners can also be
rounded with arcs by specifying a value in the radius box (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. Rectangles can be created with round corners.
Inscribed Polygon: This tool creates a polygon based on the number of sides
specified in the Sides box of the Options bar. The first click establishes the center of
the polygon. As the cursor is moved, a preview of the polygon appears while it is
being dragged at its vertex points (see Figure 5). The polygon can be rotated as the
cursor is dragged. The second click creates the polygon. A listening dimension value
can be entered after the first click. Alternatively, a value can be entered in the Radius
portion of the Options bar.
Figure 5. A polygon dragged from its vertex points.
Circumscribed Polygon: This tool creates a polygon based on the number of sides
specified in the Sides box of the Options bar. The first click establishes the center of
the polygon. As the cursor is moved, a preview of the polygon appears as it is being
dragged from its side (see Figure 6). The polygon can be rotated as the cursor is
dragged. A listening dimension value can be entered after the first click.
Alternatively, a value can be entered in the Radius option of the Options bar.
Figure 6. A polygon dragged from its side.
Circle: This tool creates a circle by clicking two points. The first click establishes the
center point. The second click creates the circle (see Figure 7).
Figure 7. How to create a circle.
Spline: This tool generates a smooth curve (see Figure 8, A) by clicking a series of
control points. Each click establishes a control point. After the first click, a line
displays with the cursor as it is moved. Clicking a second point turns the line into a
curve as you click the cursor on the subsequent control points. Double-clicking the
last point ends the drawing process and keeps the tool active. To exit completely,
press the Esc key twice or double-click a blank area. When the Chain option is
selected from the Options bar, double-clicking ends the drawing process and starts a
new spline from the last point of the previous spline. Selecting a spline (see Figure 8,
B) displays its control point and adds an Edit Spline panel to the contextual menu.
This panel also contains buttons for adding and deleting control points.
Figure 8. Creating a spline.
Fillet Arc: This tool rounds the corners of two intersecting lines or arcs. This is done
by selecting two elements with the tool (two clicks) and dragging the preview of the
arc to the desired location. A third click creates the fillet. A listening dimension value
can also be entered instead of a third click. Alternatively, the radius can be specified
in the Radius box of the Options bar before selecting two elements. The radius of the
arc can be edited by entering a value over the temporary dimensions (see Figure 9,
A) or dragging the middle drag control (see Figure 9, B).
Figure 9. Creating a fillet arc.
Tangent End Arc: This tool creates a curve from the end point of an existing line or
curve. The generated curve shares a common tangent shape with the element from
which it is connected (see Figure 10). Subsequent clicks produce a series of curves
tangent to one another.
Figure 10. Creating a fillet arc.
Center-Ends Arc: This tool creates an arc by clicking three points. The first click
establishes the arcs center point (see Figure 11, A). Moving the cursor to a new
location and clicking a second point establishes the length of the radius (see Figure
11, B). A listening dimension value can also be typed instead of a second click.
Clicking a third point at the desired location creates the arc and displays temporary
dimensions (see Figure 11, C).
Figure 11. Creating an arc with the Center-Ends Arc tool.
Start-End-Radius Arc: This tool creates an arc by clicking three points. The first
click establishes the start point (see Figure 12, A), while the second click establishes
the end point (see Figure 12, B). A listening dimension value can also be typed
instead of a second click. As the cursor is moved, a preview of the arc displays with
the cursor. Clicking a third point at the desired location creates the arc (see Figure
12, C).
Figure 12. Creating an arc with the Start-End-Radius Arc tool.
Pick Lines: This tool creates a line or curve based on an existing edge. It copies or
traces the edge of an existing element on which it is clicked (see Figure 13). These
elements are model lines, reference lines, reference planes or the edges of solid and
void extrusions.
Figure 13. Tracing an underlay using the Pick Lines tool.
Partial Ellipse: This tool creates half of an ellipse by clicking three points. The first
click establishes the first vertex. A preview of a half ellipse displays with the cursor
as it is moved and clicked to a second point to establish the length of the major axis.
A listening dimension value can also be typed instead of a second click. Again, a
preview of a half ellipse displays with the cursor as it is moved and clicked to a third
point to establish the minor axis that makes up the completed partial ellipse. A
listening dimension value can also be entered instead of a third click.
Ellipse: This tool creates a full ellipse by clicking three points. The first click
establishes the center point. A preview of a full ellipse displays with the cursor as it is
moved and clicked to a second point to establish the length of the major axis. A
listening dimension value can also be entered instead of a second click. Again, a
preview of a full ellipse displays with the cursor as it is moved and clicked to a third
point to establish the length of the minor axis. A listening dimension value can also
be entered instead of a third click.
The Modify Panel

In a complex family, assembling and putting parts together are made easier with the
Modify tools (see Figure 14).
Figure 14. The Modify panel tools.
To understand how these tools work, open the Generic Model template. Draw simple
extrusion shapes then follow the procedure explained below:
Note: the letters in parentheses after the name of the tool are the default keyboard
shortcuts.
1. Align (AL): This tool is used to align an element or multiple elements to a
selected element. In the family environment, it is generally used to align and
lock elements to reference planes. To use it, you first select the element or
reference plane where you want the object to align to. Next, click the second
object.
2. Offset (OF): This tool copies or moves an element at a specified distance
entered in the Offset box in the Options bar. The offset can also be done
interactively by selecting the Graphical button option.
3. Mirror-Pick Axis (MM): This tool mirrors a copy or duplicates an element about
an axis. The axis can be a model line, symbolic line, reference plane,
reference line or an edge of an extrusion. The selected element (or multiple
elements) is copied and flipped to the other side of the clicked axis.
4. Mirror - Draw Axis (DM): When this tool is chosen, the cursor functions
similarly to a line tool. However, it draws an invisible line that acts as the
mirror axis. After drawing the invisible line, the selected element is copied
and flipped to the other side of the drawn axis.
5. Split Element (SL): The Split Element tool is used to cut or split lines, arcs,
circles and ellipses while in sketch mode. It can also be used to cut model
lines, symbolic lines and reference lines.
6. Split with Gap: This tool does not work in the family environment.
7. Array (AR): This tool creates a duplicate or multiple instances of one or more
selected elements. The duplicates can follow a linear or circular path. The
number of instances and their locations relative to one another can be
specified in the Options bar. There is also an option to group and associate
selected elements that are being arrayed.
8. Scale (RE): This tool resizes model, symbolic and reference lines. In Edit
mode, it resizes profiles used in masking regions, filled regions, extrusions
and split faces. The Options bar contains an option to scale an element
graphically or numerically.
9. Unpin (UP): This tool unpins or unlocks an element that has been locked by
the pin tool.
10. Pin (PN): This tool is used to lock an element in place. A pinned element
cannot be moved or edited.
11. Delete (DE): This tool removes a selected element from the drawing area. It is
the equivalent of pressing the Delete key.
12. Trim/Extend Multiple Elements: This tool trims or extends more than one
element to a boundary. The boundary can be a model line, symbolic line,

reference plane or reference line. It is also available in the sketch mode for
extending or trimming lines and arcs.
13. Trim/Extend Single Element: This tool trims or extends an instance of an
element to a boundary. The boundary can be a model line, symbolic line,
reference plane or reference line. It is also available in the sketch mode for
extending or trimming an element to a boundary.
14. Trim/Extend to Corner (TR): This button trims and extends elements to form a
corner. It is also available in the sketch mode for extending or trimming lines
and arcs to form a corner.
15. Rotate (RO): This tool rotates one or more elements around a center point,
which is the rotation axis. In plan, elevation and section views, the rotation
axis is perpendicular to the view. In a 3D view, the rotation axis is
perpendicular to the work plane.
16. Copy (CO): This tool creates a duplicate of an element that can interactively
be placed by dragging it to a desired location. The listening dimension can
also be used to specify a specific distance. This copy function, however, does
not store the element in the clipboard.
17. Move (MV): With this tool, an element can be precisely or interactively moved
to a desired location. The listening dimension can also be used to enter a
specific distance.
Knowing how the tools in the Draw panel work is necessary to modeling a
component using any of the tools in the Forms panel (see Figure 15).
Figure 15. The Forms panel tools.
This, plus a good knowledge of the tools in the Modify panel, will enable you to
create complex families such as the pool table shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16. Pool table.

Modeling Basics: The Family Editor Modeling Tools
Michael Anonuevo posted on February 26, 2016 | Comment 6726 views
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The topic that I will be covering in this article is the essence of this 10-part series on
creating loadable Revit families. In this part, well cover creating a family by modeling
its parts using the Forms modeling tools. Basically, modeling in the Family Editor
consists of:
Creating shaped forms out of the Forms tools
Combining and putting together the derived components in logical sequence
to create a presentable family that closely resembles the object being
represented (see Figure 1)
Assigning parameters to the family (e.g. materials, height, width, etc.)

Figure 1. An example of a Revit family.
The final outcome depends on your creativity: how you create and combine
components, specify the right materials and assign useful parameters. Revit family
modeling is a topic that can consume hundreds of pages, which this series cannot
possibly cover exhaustively. Therefore, after reading this article, it is up to you to
experiment and try out the Forms tools to create your own unique family. For those
new to Revit, understand that the modeling tools in the Family Editor dont employ
the direct modeling technology found in other 3D programs such as SketchUp and
formZ (at least not yet). Creating shapes in Revit involves sketching profiles then
specifying the thickness or path. The concept is really easy, and this article will
explain this process.
There are numerous Family Editor modeling tutorials on YouTube and other Revit
websites. Almost all of them explain the modeling process in combination with
creating parameters. However, I believe that the best way to create a truly functional
and realistic looking family is to learn how to use the Forms tools first. Thereafter, it
is easier to learn the concept of creating parameters. And so parameters will be
explained in the second part of this article, Modeling Basics: Parameters.
The Family Editor Modeling Tools
When you take a look at the modeling tools in the Family Editor, youll notice how
simple they are compared to other 3D modeling programs. There are only five solid
modeling tools in the Forms panel. There are also five void tools found in the Void
Forms drop-down menu of the Forms panel (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. The modeling tools in the Forms panel.

Solid forms are the visible components you see in a family (see Figure 3). They are
derived from any of the solid Forms tools. The Void Forms, on the other hand, are
the invisible elements (i.e. the empty spaces such as holes or pockets) that further
define a component. The creation process of voids is the same as how solid forms
are created. The difference is how they interact with each other. Think of them from
a Boolean perspective: Solids are additive and voids are subtractive.
Figure 3. Solid and void forms.
When overlapped together, voids subtract their shape from solid forms (see Figure
4).
Figure 4. Final shape of a component after a void is subtracted.
A family is simply a combination of components derived from any of the Forms tools
(see Figures 5 and 6).
Figure 5. Different components that make up a Figure 6. A family created using the Forms
family. tools.
Creating components in the Family Editor begins with sketching reference planes.
These are the dashed green lines that serve as guidelines when profiles are drawn.
They serve as a framework in building components and creating parameters. When
labeled, reference planes drive parameters (e.g. width, length, depth, etc.) that
enable a component to change its shape. Therefore, when the family is loaded in a
project, users can change the properties of the family.
All Forms tools require that you draw a profile. Whenever you click any of the Forms
tools, you are taken into a 2D drafting environment called the sketch mode. The tab
changes to a green-colored Modify tab. A contextual menu is also added at the far
right, which, depending on the tool selected, contains the Draw and Work Plane
panels (see Figure 7).
Figure 7. The Forms panel and the contextual menu.
The Draw panel contains the tools for sketching a profile. In sketch mode, sketched
lines appear in magenta (see Figure 8).

Figure 8. Sketched lines in sketch mode appear in magenta.
The Extrusion Tool
The Extrusion tool creates a component based on a sketched profile (see Figure 9)
and its thickness, as specified in the Constraints option of the Properties palette,
which controls how the extrusion is projected (see Figure 10).

Figure 9. A sketched profile. Figure 10. The Constraints option.
After clicking the Finish Edit Mode button (the green check mark) from the contextual
menu (see Figure 11), the extrusion component is created (see Figure 12).
Figure 12. Examples of extrusion

Figure 11. The Finish Edit Mode button.
components.
Here are a few points to remember when creating an extrusion:
A sketched profile must be a closed loop.

More than one closed loop profile can be sketched.
The thickness is always perpendicular to the sketched profile.
The Blend Tool
The Blend tool blends or combines two separate profiles/boundaries. It is based on
the work plane and, just like extrusions, requires a thickness from the Properties
palette to create a component. When the Blend tool is selected, the process begins
with creating a profile from the base of the component (see Figure 13).
Figure 13. A sketched base boundary.
The next step is to click the Edit Top button from the Mode panel to create the
second sketch profile (see Figure 14).

Figure 14. A sketched top boundary.
After specifying the height and clicking the Finish Edit Mode button, the blend is
created (see Figures 15 and 16).

Figure 15. The finished blend component in Figure 16. The finished blend component in
plan view. 3D view.
Here are a few points to remember when creating a blend:
When sketching profiles, only one closed loop is allowed.
The thickness is always perpendicular to the sketched profile.
Revolve Tool
The Revolve tool creates a shape by revolving a profile along an axis line. The
amount of the shapes rotation along the axis defaults to 360. After the Revolve tool
is clicked, the boundary tool is selected by default (see Figure 17).
Figure
17. The Boundary Line tool.
You then start the revolve process by sketching the boundary, which is half of the
revolve profile (see Figure 18).
Figure 18. A sketched revolve profile.
After sketching a closed loop profile, you then draw the axis using the Axis Line tool
from the Draw panel of the contextual menu (see Figure 19).
Figure 19. The sketched axis line.
Finally, click the Finish Edit Mode button, and the revolve component is created (see
Figures 20 and 21).
Figure 20. The finished revolve form in plan Figure 21. The finished revolve form in 3D
view. view.
Revolve Angles: Specific Start Angle and End Angle can be specified in the
Properties palette (see Figure 22).
Figure 22. The angle constraints in the Properties palette.
This creates a pie-like shape suitable for illustrations such as section cuts (see
Figure 23).
Figure 23. A revolve applied with specific rotation angles.
Here are a few points to remember when creating a revolve:
Sweep Tool
The Sweep tool is a type of extrusion with thickness that follows an open or closed
loop path. Think of crown molding that follows the top edges of walls in a room.
When the tool is selected, the first step is to create a path. In this mode, there are
two methods of doing this, Sketch Path or Pick Path (see Figure 24).
Figure 24. Two methods of sketching sweep paths.
In this sweep example, well select the Sketch Path method and draw a profile from
the front view elevation (see Figure 25). The work plane defaults to the center
(front/back).
Figure 25. A sweep path drawn using the Sketch Path method.
After clicking the Finish Edit Mode check mark, click the Edit Profile button from the
Sweep panel (see Figure 26).
Figure 26. The Edit Profile button.
Note: The Select Profile button is a sweep option that allows you to select pre-drawn
profiles. This method is a time saver if you will be using a profile that will be reused
in other parts of the family. It is created using the Profile template. When loaded in
the family, it appears under the Profile drop-down list (see Figure 27).
Figure 27. The Profile drop-down list.

The Go To View dialog box will pop up, prompting you to select a view from which to
create the profile (see Figure 28).
Figure 28. The Go To View dialog box.
Draw a circular profile, and then click the Finish Edit Mode green check mark. The
sweep is created (see Figures 29 and 30).

Figure 29. The sketched profile. Figure 30. The finished sweep component.
Click the Default 3D View button from the Quick Access Toolbar to view the sweep in
3D (see Figure 31).
Figure 31. The finished sweep component in 3D view.

Pick Path: This is a sweep option that automatically creates a path when an edge is
selected. This includes edges of solid geometry such as extrusions and blends as
well as reference and model lines. In this method of path creation, the sketched line
is automatically locked to the selected edge. Therefore, when the geometry changes,
the sweep updates.
Here is an example:
Using the extrusion shown in Figure 32, five edges are selected as the sweep path
(see Figure 33). After clicking the Finish Edit Mode button, a circular profile is
sketched (see Figure 34). After clicking the Finish Edit Mode once again, the sweep
is created (see Figure 35). Now when the extrusion is selected and stretched (see
Figure 36), the sweep changes to conform to the new path (see Figure 37).
Figure 33. Selected edges as

Figure 32. Example extrusion. Figure 34. Sweep profile.
sweep path.
Figure 36. Selecting and Figure 37. Extrusion adapted
Figure 35. Generated sweep.
stretching extrusion. to sweep.
Here are a few points to remember when creating a sweep:
A path can be an open or closed loop.
Swept Blend Tool
The Swept Blend tool combines the function of the Sweep and Blend tools. However,
the path can only consist of one segment (see Figure 38). Like the blend tool, a
profile is sketched at both ends of the path (see Figure 39).

Figure 38. The sketched path. Figure 39. The sketched profiles.
The profiles can be selected by clicking either the Profile 1 or Profile 2 buttons in the
Swept Blend panel (see Figure 40).
Figure 40. The Swept Blend panel.
Note: Just like the Sweep tool, predrawn profiles can be created and loaded in the
family where it shows up in the Profile drop-down list of the Swept Blend panel.
After the profiles are created and the Finish Edit Mode button is clicked, the blended
profiles create a complex component (see Figure 41).

Figure 41. The finished swept blend component.
Pick Path: This is a swept blend option that automatically creates a path when an
edge is selected. This includes edges of solid geometry such as extrusions and
blends as well as reference and model lines. In this method of path creation, the
sketched line is automatically locked to the selected edge. Therefore, when the
geometry changes, the sweep updates. Here is an example:
Using the extrusion shown in Figure 42, an edge is selected as the sweep path (see
Figure 43). After clicking the Finish Edit Mode button, Profiles 1 and 2 are sketched
(see Figure 44). After clicking the Finish Edit Mode once again, the sweep is created
(see Figure 45). Now when the extrusion is selected and stretched (see Figure 46),
the swept blend changes to conform to the new path (see Figure 47).
Figure 43. Sweep path
Figure 42. Example extrusion. Figure 44. Sweep created.
selected.
Figure 46. Extrusion selected Figure 47. Swept blend

Figure 45. Generated sweep.
and stretched. conforms to new path.
Here are a few points to remember when creating a swept blend form:
A path can only consist of one segment.
When sketching profiles, only one closed loop is allowed.
The path can be a straight or curved segment.
The profiles dont have to be parallel to one another either.

Thats all there is on how to build shaped components to create unique and realistic
looking Revit families. Try out all these tools in your spare time. Start with simple
furniture or objects in your house or office. Then apply the techniques explained in
the previous articles of this series. It will now be easier for you to grasp the concepts
of creating parameters in the upcoming second part of this important topic.

Modeling Basics: How to Create Simple Parameters in
Revit
Michael Anonuevo posted on March 11, 2016 | Comment 11253 views
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In part 7.1 of this topic, you learned how easy it is to create components that make
up a family. You should now be comfortable with the Forms tools. If you dug further
into the Properties palette, you should have discovered many more useful options
inherent to the Forms tools. We are now going to take a family to the next level by
applying parameters.
What Are Parameters?
Parameters are formulas and mathematical equations embedded into a Revit family
that control its properties, including length, width and depth (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Parametric families.
Parameters also can control the appearance and visibility of family components.
Thus, when the family is loaded into a project, a user can change the way the family
looks and behaves. This is a powerful feature of the Family Editor that sets it apart
from other 3D modeling applications. While this may sound complicated, in reality,
its not. There are only a few simple rules to follow. This article will teach you the
basics of creating family parameters.
Dimension Parameters
To better understand how parameters control the shape of a component, follow this
tutorial and start a new family using the Generic Model family template:
In Ref. Level view, sketch and dimension the reference planes in the
numerical order (just for this exercise) indicated in Figure 2. Take advantage
of the temporary dimensions to center the reference planes from the default
reference planes.
Figure 2. Reference planes for tutorial.
Click the 5' 0" dimension. In the options bar, click the Label drop-down
menu and then select <Add parameter> (see Figure 3).

Figure 3. The Add parameter option.
This opens the Parameter Properties dialog box (see Figure 4). Under
Parameter Data, type Length in the Name field. Click the Instance button and
then click OK.

Figure 4. Parameter Properties dialog box.
Youve just created a dimension parameter called Length (see Figure 5).
Figure 5. Length parameter.
Now click the Family Types button from the Properties panel of the Modify tab (see
Figure 6).
Figure 6. Family Types button.

This opens the Family Types dialog box where the dimension parameter you just
created appears under the Dimensions column (see Figure 7).
Figure 7. Family Types dialog box.
As you might have guessed, if you change the Length value, the reference
planes in the drawing area will update. Try it. Move the dialog box on the side
so you can see the drawing area. Change the Length to any value and then
click the Apply button. You should see one of the reference planes move.
Click OK and then do an Undo command a few times (Ctrl + Z) to change the
Length back to 5' 0".
If you noticed, the change in length was made from where you clicked the first
reference plane (the number 1 reference plane in Figure 2). But what we want to do
is enable the reference planes to grow from the center default reference planes. To
accomplish this, place a string dimension as shown in Figure 8 and then click the EQ
symbol with a slash. Revit refers to this symbol as the Equality Constraint.
Figure 8. String dimension.
The values in the string dimensions change to EQ, and the slash in the equality
constraint symbol disappears (see Figure 9).
Figure 9. The result after clicking the equality constraint symbol.
In this case, the equality constraint feature will enable the Length dimension to grow
from the center default reference plane when the value is changed. So lets try
flexing* this parameter. Click the Family Types button and then change the Length
value to 10' 0". Notice that the reference planes stretched from the center (see
Figure 10).
Flexing in Revit is synonymous with testing. This is done to ensure the integrity and
stability of the parameters as more of them are added to the family. It is a good
practice to flex any parameter you create to ensure they work properly.
Figure 10. Dimensions grow from the center using the equality constraint feature.
Now its your turn. Click the 4' 0" dimension and create an instance
parameter called Width. Place a string dimension between the horizontal
reference planes and then click the equality constraint symbol. Your family
should look like Figure 11. Flex this new parameter before continuing on with
this tutorial.
Figure 11. The completed Length and Width parameters.
Double-click the Front Elevation from the Project Browser and sketch the
three horizontal reference planes as shown in Figure 12. Click the 2' 6"
dimension and create an instance parameter called Height. Click and lock the
0' 1 " and 2" dimensions.
Figure 12. Adding reference planes from the Front elevation.

Click the 2' 6" reference plane and then name it Tabletop from the Identity
Data -> Name in the Properties palette (see Figure 13).
Figure 13. Naming a reference plane.
Flex the Height parameter. Notice that the 0' 1 " locked dimension follows
the height value entered in the Family Types dialog box. The 2" dimension
also remains stationary. This is one way of constraining dimensions.
Before we move on, heres a brief explanation of Type versus Instance parameters
in the Parameters Properties dialog box (see Figure 14):

Figure 14. The Parameter Properties dialog box.
Type Parameters
When a selected family in a project contains Type parameters, the specific
parameters appear in the Type Properties dialog box when the Edit Type button is
clicked from the Properties palette dialog box. Therefore, if there is more than one
instance of the family in the project, all the type parameters (for example, materials)
of those instances will change (see Figure 15).

Figure 15. Parameters in the Type Properties dialog box.
Instance Parameters
When a selected family in a project contains Instance parameters, the specific
parameters are displayed in the Properties palette (see Figure 16). Theres no need
to click the Edit Type button. Therefore, if there is more than one instance of the
family, only the selected family will change its instance parameters.
Figure 16. Parameters in the Properties palette.
Now that weve laid out the framework from which to model our components, we will
now associate the dimension parameters to forms we are about to create that make
up a simple parametric table (see Figure 17).

Figure 17. Parametric table.
Go back to the Ref. Level view. Well start with the tabletop. Click the Work
Plane button (Create -> Work Plane). In the Work Plane dialog box, select
Reference Plane : Tabletop from the Name option (see Figure 18). By doing
this, we will be sketching from the Tabletop reference plane that we assigned
in Figure 13.
Figure 18. Reference planes for tutorial.
In the Create tab, select the Extrusion tool from the Forms panel. In the Draw
panel of the contextual menu, select the rectangle tool and sketch a 5' x 4'
rectangle on top of the previously drawn reference planes. Youll notice that
after sketching the rectangle, four open lock icons appear. Click each one to
lock them (see Figure 19). This locks the magenta lines on top of the
reference planes. Next, exit the sketch mode by clicking the Finish Edit Mode
button.
Figure 19. Locking line segments to reference planes.
While the tabletop is still selected, enter a value of 0' 1 " in the Constraints ->
Extrusion End field of the Properties palette (see Figure 20). Click the Finish Edit
Mode button to exit the sketch mode.

Figure 20. Entering thickness values in the Properties palette.
Now flex the parameters. Click the Family Types button (Create or Modify ->
Properties). Change the values of the Length and Width dimension
parameters and then click the Apply button. Youll notice that the extrusion
form updates to the new values. Click OK and then press the Ctrl + Z key a
couple of times to undo the change. Double-click the Front elevation from the
Project Browser. Go back to the Family Types dialog box and then change the
value of the Height. Click OK and then undo the change you made.
We are now going to add the remaining parts of the table: a leg and leg support.
In the View Control bar, change the visual style to Wireframe (see Figure 21).
Figure 21. Wireframe visual style from the View Control bar.
Add the reference planes and dimensions shown in Figure 22. Follow this procedure:
Create the overall Instance dimension parameter first (1).
Add the dimension string and then click the equality constraint symbol (2).
Add the 2" dimension string (3) and then click the open lock icons to lock
them.
Do this same procedure for the south side of the tabletop. But instead of creating the
Leg Support Width parameter, just select the 3' 0" dimension and then choose the
previously created parameter from the Label drop-down menu in the options bar.
Figure 22. Adding more reference planes and dimension parameters.
Now lets create the leg support. Click the Set button from the Work Plane
panel and then set the work plane to Ref. Level. (see Figure 23).
Figure 23. Choosing a work plane from the Name option of the Work Plane dialog box.
Click the Extrusion tool (Create -> Forms). Using the Line tool in the Draw
panel, sketch the leg support as shown in Figure 24.
Figure 24. Sketching the leg support.

Specify the thickness by entering 2" in the Constraints -> Extrusion End field from
the Properties palette (see Figure 25).
Figure 25. Specifying thickness constraints in the Properties palette.
Unlike the rectangle tool, the line tool does not display an open lock icon after a line
is sketched on top of a reference plane. It displays an open lock icon momentarily,
but it disappears when you try to click it. However, it can be locked after a form has
been sketched, either while in sketch mode or after clicking the Finish Edit Mode
button. This is done with the use of the Align tool.
For the above example, lets do the procedure while in sketch mode. Click the
Align tool from the Modify panel of the Modify tab, or type the keyboard
shortcut AL. Now select a reference plane and then click a line segment on
top of it. An open lock icon appears (see Figure 26). Click it to lock the line
segment with the reference plane.
Figure 26. Aligning line segments with the reference planes while in sketch mode.
Do these procedures for the remaining 11 line segments and then click the
Finish Edit Mode button.
Alternatively, you can click a line segment with the Align tool first and then the
reference plane. Also, you can do the align process after exiting the sketch
mode by clicking a reference plane and then an edge of the extrusion.
Before we proceed with the last component, flex the Leg Support Width parameter
and then undo the change. If you get an error message or the form does not flex
properly, make sure the line segments of the leg support are locked to the reference
planes.
Using the Extrusion tool, sketch a circle with a radius of 2" at the intersection
of the default reference planes (see Figure 27). This will be the leg of the
table.
Figure 27. Sketching the table leg.
In the Properties palette, enter the height constraints of this leg as shown in
Figure 28 and then click the Finish Edit Mode button.

Figure 28. Entering the height constraints in the Properties palette.
Double-click the Front elevation from the Properties palette. Click the Align tool and
then select the top edge of the circular leg (if you have to, press the Tab key to
select it) as shown in Figure 29. Select the reference plane behind it and then click
the lock icon. Do the same for the bottom edge of the circular leg.
Figure 29. Locking the leg's top and bottom edges to the reference planes.
Click the default 3D view and then flex the parameters of the table from the Family
Types dialog box.
Thats it! Youve just created a parametric table.
Conclusion
The essence of creating parameters in a family is building the framework first using
reference planes. Then components are attached and locked to them. Thats how a
family changes its dimensions when loaded in a project. Just as you would in
building your components, being creative is the key to assigning useful parameters.
There is no set rule. You can lock certain parts so they are constrained to their
locations according to the rules you define. You can also apply conditional formulas.
You can nest different parts of a family inside the main family so they move as one
unit. What is presented here is the basic knowledge you need to get started in
creating parametric families. YouTube has tons of tutorials dealing with this subject.
Do your research, and most of all, sit down and create parametric families to get
some hands-on practice. No amount of tutorial will enable you to fully understand the
principles behind these techniques until you actually have a hand at creating your
own parametric family.

Applying Materials in Revit
Michael Anonuevo posted on March 19, 2016 | Comment 10509 views
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Over the last few years, Revit materials have been continually refined to offer users
the best in material representations that produce photorealistic images in renderings.
Starting with Revit 2009, Autodesk has incorporated mental ray as its renderer.
Thereafter, subsequent Revit releases have improved the interface and features of
the Material Browser dialog box. It is now easier than ever to edit, customize and
organize materials. This article will show you how.
Materials are render properties in Revit that make a family look realistic in renderings
(see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Materials make families look realistic in renderings.
You can control and change the properties of a material such as color, texture,
pattern, bumps, highlights, reflectivity, transparency, translucency and self-
illumination (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Material properties make families look realistic in renderings.
Materials also control how families look in other visual styles. You can specify the
color and surface patterns they display in shaded views as well as how they appear
in section cuts. Materials can also contain various descriptive metadata (see Figure
3).
Figure 3. Available metadata fields in the material description.
The Material Browser dialog box has undergone changes throughout the years,
culminating in the interface introduced in Revit 2014 (see Figure 4).

Figure 4. Material Browser interface.
In this part of the series, you will learn how to apply materials to a component. But
first, lets take a look at the Material Browser dialog box to understand its parts.
The Material Browser Dialog Box
The Material Browser is accessed from the Settings panel of the Manage tab (see
Figure 5).
Figure 5. Location of the Materials button.
Because you will be constantly assigning materials to components in the Family
Editor, it is a good idea to add the Materials button to the Quick Access toolbar (see
Figure 6).
Figure 6. Adding the Materials button to the Quick Access toolbar.
Initially, when you click the Materials button, it opens the Material Browser dialog
box, which consists of two panels: Project Materials and Material Editor (see Figure
7).
Figure 7. The Material Browser interface.
A third panel is also included but minimized until the Shows/Hides library panel
button is clicked (see Figure 8). This is the library panel.

Figure 8. The expanded Material Browser.
If you leave the dialog box in this configuration, Revit remembers it the next time you
open the application. Here are the parts of the Material Browser:
Project Materials: This panel contains the default materials of the family
template being used. On an existing family, it also contains custom materials
created by the user. When a material is right-clicked, the context menu
displays additional options (see Figure 9).

Figure 9. The right-click context menu.
Material Editor: This panel consists of tabs that allow a user to change
specific information pertaining to its properties or assets. Depending on the
selected material, the panel may display three to five tabs (see Figure 10):
Figure 10. Material Editor tabs.
1. Identity: This tab contains editable metadata fields pertaining to the material,
such as manufacturer, costs, model, class, keywords, etc.
2. Graphics: This tab controls how materials look in nonrendered visual styles,
such as shaded views. This is where the appearance of surfaces and section
cuts are specified in terms of color and pattern.

3. Appearance: This tab contains specific properties that determine how a family
is displayed in realistic visual style and renderings. Depending on the chosen
material, the user can adjust the settings of the following properties:
Color
Glossiness
Highlights
Reflectivity
Transparency
Cutouts
Self-illumination
Bump
Tint
Replacement image
Just below the Appearance tab is a gray bar containing additional buttons (see
Figure 11).
Figure 11. Other tools in the Appearance tab.
The buttons in the appearance tab function as described below:
Hand/sharing icon : The number above the hand indicates the number of
times an asset has been assigned to any of the materials in the Projects
Materials list. Zero means that the asset is only being used by the material
currently selected. The text to the right of the hand icon is the name of the
asset.
Replace asset button: Clicking this opens the Asset Browser dialog box in
which an additional asset can be selected to replace the current asset.
Duplicate asset button: When this button is clicked, it duplicates the currently
selected asset and appends (1) at the end of the asset name (see Figure
12).
Figure 12. When an asset is duplicated, a (1) will be appended after the asset
name.
4. Physical: Used for structural analysis, this tab consists of information pertaining to:
Basic thermal
Mechanical
Strength
Concrete
5. Thermal: The properties in this tab are used for energy analysis.
So far, weve covered:

Project Materials, the panel where default and user-created materials are
listed.
Material Editor, the panel where the properties of a material are changed.
Now lets take a look at the Library panel:
Library Panel: If you want to add a new material to the Project Materials list,
you can select it from this panel. The panel consists of two panes: the Library
list (see Figure 13, C1) and the Library Materials list (see Figure 13, C2).
Figure 13. The Library panel.

In the Library list (Figure 13, C1), Revit provides three material folders, namely:
1. Favorites: Denoted by a star symbol, this folder contains the users most
commonly used standard or customized materials. Materials here are added
by right-clicking a material from the Project Materials list or Library Materials
list and then selecting Add to Favorites from the context menu. Materials
from these two sources can also be dragged on top of the Favorites folder.
This creates a copy of the material into the Favorites folder.
2. Autodesk Materials: This folder contains a categorized listing of standard
Autodesk materials.
3. AEC Materials: This folder contains a categorized listing of Autodesk
materials specific to all Revit flavors (architectural, MEP and structural).
The Library Materials list (Figure 13, C2) displays the materials of a selected
category in the Library list. When a specific material is searched, the result is
displayed here. Thereafter, the material can be added to the Project Materials list by
dragging it there or clicking the Adds material to document button (see Figure 14).
Figure 14. Dragging a material from the Library Materials list to the Project Materials
list.
At the bottom left of the Library panel are three icons that add additional
functionalities to the Material Browser (see Figure 15). They dont have particular
names, but when you hover the cursor over them, the tool tip indicates the
functionality.
Figure 15. Additional tools at the bottom left of the Material Browser.
(a) This folder with a wrench icon is a neat feature of the Material Browser. It lets you
create a new library and populate it with custom materials that can be shared over
the network with other Revit users in your company (see Figure 16).
Figure 16. Create library button.
This is done by selecting Create New Library from the drop-down menu (see Figure
17).
Figure 17. Create New Library option.
This opens the Select File dialog box where you can save the library at a specified
location in your company server (see Figure 18).
Figure 18. The Select File dialog box.
After clicking Save, the new library is added to the Library list (see Figure 19).
Figure 19. A library added to the library list.
Materials here are added by right-clicking a material from the Project Materials list or
Library Materials list and then selecting Add to Name of Folder from the context
menu. Materials from these two sources can also be dragged on top of the new
library.
(b) The miniature material icon with a plus sign lets you create a new default material
or duplicate a selected material (see Figure 20).

Figure 20. The Create New Material option.
When the Create New Material option is selected, a Default New Material is added to
the Project Materials list (see Figure 21).
Figure 21. Adding a new Default New Material to the Project Materials list.
Create New Material basically functions the same as the default material included in
all the family templates. It lets users create a new material from scratch.
The Duplicate Selected Material option creates a duplicate of the selected material
but appends a (1) after the name (see Figure 22). Users have the option to keep
this name or rename it to a new one.
Figure 22. The Duplicate Selected Material option.
Note, however, that even if you rename the duplicated material, it still contains the
same properties as the original material from which it was duplicated. If you change
a material property in the original, the duplicate will inherit the change and vice
versa. If you want to create a unique version of the same material without affecting
the original, click the Duplicate asset button from the Appearance tab of the Material
Editor as explained below.
How to Create a Unique Duplicate of an Existing Material
Heres a hypothetical situation:
Say, for example, youve assigned a light-colored oak wood material to the legs of a
parametric table. You then want to use the same type of wood for the tabletop but
also specify a darker color.
Your first thought may be to duplicate and rename the material from the Project
Materials list and then change its color. However, once youre done, the two
materials (original and duplicate) update to the same new color! Your intention was
to change the color of the duplicate without affecting the color of the original.
This is where the Duplicate Asset comes into play (see Figure 11, c). Select the
renamed duplicate wood from the Project Materials list. In the Material Editor, click
the Appearance tab and then click the Duplicate Asset button. This appends (1) at
the end of the asset name. Now change the color of the duplicate. Youll now notice
that this change wont affect the original. Try and experiment on this procedure.
(c) The third icon is a miniature window (see Figure 23).

Figure 23. The Opens/Closes asset browser
button.
When clicked, it opens the Asset Browser window (see Figure 24).
Figure 24. The Asset Browser.

This window contains optional materials that are not found in the Library panel. It has
the same window configuration as the Library panel, including a Library list on the
left (Figure 24, A) and a Library Materials list on the right (Figure 24, B). It also has a
search field on top (Figure 24, C). However, it only contains the miniature folder icon
with a wrench (Figure 24, D), which lets you create a new library, save it to a specific
drive location and share it over the network to other Revit users in the company.
Methods of Applying a Material to a Component
Applying a material through the Paint tool: This tool is useful in situations
where different materials are required on different faces of a component.
When the Paint tool is clicked from the Geometry panel of the Modify tab (see
Figure 25), it opens a version of the Material Browser that only displays the
Project Materials (see Figure 26).
Figure 25. The Paint tool button.

Figure 26. The Material Browser access with the Paint tool.
Thereafter, when you click the surface of a component with the Paint tool cursor (see
Figure 27, a), it acquires the image of the selected material from the Material
Browser (see Figure 27, b).

Figure 27. Selecting and applying a material on a model face using the Paint tool.
The Paint tool can also be used to apply a material to any portion of a face created
with the Split Face tool (see Figure 28).
Figure 28. Applying a material on a portion of a face using the Split Face tool.
Applying a material through the Properties palette: This is the primary means
of applying a material to a family component. This is done by selecting a
component and then clicking the Material button from the Material field of the
Properties palette (see Figure 29).

Figure 29. The Material button in the Properties palette.
This opens the Material Browser dialog box where a material can be chosen from the
Project Materials list.
How to Create a Material Parameter
The methods above, although fast and effective, have their disadvantages. If you
load the family in a project and want to change its material, you'll have to edit the
family and then load it back in the project again. However, the familys material will
not update. In the project, Revit will not recognize the change in material unless the
family is renamed. This procedure will add unnecessary families in a project, creating
confusion and also increasing the file size.

The best way to overcome this limitation is to create material parameters in the
family. Follow this short tutorial:
1. Open a Generic Model template and save it as Materials Parametric.
2. Create a simple square extrusionthe dimensions dont matter.
3. Click the Family Types button (Create or Modify Properties). In the Family
Types dialog box, click the Add button (see Figure 30).
Figure 30. The Add button in the Family Types dialog box.
In the Parameter Properties dialog box, type Wood Finish in the Name field and
then specify Instance. In the Type of Parameter drop-down menu, select Material
and then click OK (see Figure 31).

Figure 31. The Parameter Properties dialog box.
Back in the Family Types dialog box, click the Material button on right side of the
value field next to the Material parameter (see Figure 32).

Figure 32. The Material button from the Family Types dialog box.
This is the Material button that is similar to the Material button in the Properties
palette.
In the Material Browser dialog box, click Default material from the Project Materials
list and then duplicate and rename it as Oak. Click the Asset Browser button from
the bottom left of the window. This opens the Asset Browser window. Type Oak in
the Search field. Choose any Oak type from the search results, and then click the
replace arrows at the right side of the Asset (see Figure 33).
Figure 33. The replace arrows in the Asset Browser.
This assigns the Oak wood asset to the Oak family you created in the Project
Materials list. In the Graphics tab of the Material Editor, check the Use Render
Appearance box and click OK. Then Click OK from the Family Types dialog box.
In the drawing area, click the extrusion component. Go to the Properties palette, and
then click the Associate Family Parameter button beside the Material name field (see
Figure 34).
Figure 34. The Associate Family Parameter in the Properties palette.
In the Associate Family Parameter dialog box, select the material parameter you
created and then click OK (see Figure 35).

Figure 35. The Associate Family Parameter dialog box.
Back in the Properties palette, youll notice that an equal sign was added to the top
of the Associate Family Parameter button (see Figure 36). This signifies that a
material parameter has been assigned to the material. The dimmed Oak name
means that when the family is loaded in a project, the material will default to Oak.
But this can be changed in the Properties palette of the project. If no material has
been assigned when the material parameter was created, the family will appear gray
in the project until a new material is selected from the Material Browser.
Figure 36. The equal sign on top of the Associate Family Parameter button.
In complex families, using the right patterns and images can save you hours of
modeling and rendering time. Instead of modeling certain repetitive fine details that
arent critical to the design, photographic images can be used to replicate them more
easily. An example is a chain link fence, where the specific details of the fence are
irrelevant to the overall design. Although possible, it would be impractical to model
the fence, as it will bog down the computer during rendering times and increase the
file size significantly without improving the utility of the model. Using a .jpeg image of
a chain link fence in the Cutout feature of the Material Browser Appearance tab,
the image can be substituted for the fence. Therefore, you only have to model a
simple extrusion to represent the fence. During the rendering process, Revit will
substitute a tiled version of the chain link image to make the fence look realistic. On
nonrendered visual styles, a cross hatch can be selected as the fences surface
pattern.
Creativity is the key to creating families that accurately represent the object being
digitally replicated. This holds true when creating components, assigning parameters
and, of course, applying materials.

The Classification of Revit Families

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The Classification of Revit Families

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Part 1: Classification of Revit Families

Part 2: The Revit Family Editor User Interface

Part 4: How to Use Work Planes in Revit

Part 5: How to Dimension with Revit

Part 6: Using Revit Draw and Modify Tools

Part 7.1: Modeling Basics: The Family Editor Modeling Tools

Part 7.2: Modeling Basics: How to Create Simple Parameters in Revit

Part 8: Applying Materials in Revit

Part 9: Introduction to Revit Conceptual Massing

Part 10: How to Practice Revit Family Modeling

Classification of Revit Families

(AEC) industry shifting to building information modeling (BIM). Worldwide, Autodesk

architectural companies embrace Revit because it works extremely well in

coordinating various areas of project administration.

Autodesk Revit logo. (Image courtesy of Autodesk.)

Nowadays, most job postings for architectural professionals require knowledge or

observed that the problem lies in any of the following factors:

know how to put a building together.

Aversion to change: Users of CAD software (AutoCAD, Vectorworks,

so used to AutoCADs fast redraws, quick drawing methods and typed

commands. They tend to compare AutoCAD with Revit.

Training time takes longer for these individuals.

Time: Users who dont want to invest time in training themselves.

software very easily.

and transitioned to Revit with minimal or no training at all.

workplace, on an actual project) face a surplus of mistakes, errors and

creating families, etc.

specifically hired to be a project manager, designer, or project coordinator with Revit

Part 1 Classification of Revit Families

Part 2 The Family Editor User Interface

Includes Properties Palette, Project Browser, Viewcube, Navigation Bar,

Steering Wheel and View Control Bar

Part 4 Work Planes

Includes the Draw panel

Includes tutorials, samples, etc.

Part 9 Introduction to Conceptual Massing

Part 10 How to Practice Revit Family Modeling

Part 1 Classification of Revit Families

Families are classified into three types:

Figure 1. System families. (Image courtesy of the author.)

such as doors and windows.

Figure 2. Component family examples. (Image courtesy of the author.)

modified. They can be host-based or freestanding.

families is the main focus of this article.

In-Place Families: These families are components created in a project

environment. The creation process is the same as creating a loadable family

Model In-Place command (Architecture>Build>Component) in a Project file.

This feature is provided so users can create unique families specific to a

curved shelf in Figure 3.

1. Create your in-place family (Architecture>Build>Component>Model In-Place)

Figure 4: Saving an in-place family. (Image courtesy of the author.)

current project youre working on) in a designated folder on your computer.

created as In-Place or Loadable mass families.

instrument. It doesnt matter if you are a beginner, a prodigy, or a seasoned

instrument intimately, joining a band, etc. No amount of Revit tutorials, theoretical

Current Articles | Archives

In my previous post, I wrote about Revit family classifications. Autodesk defines

However, I classified them as:

2. Component families consisting of in-place families and loadable families

3. Conceptual massing families

Figure 1. The In-Place Family Editor panel.

(see Figure 2).