Knowledgebase
This collection of articles is designed to be an evolving list.
More information will be added over time, and your comments
or questions are welcome. Please feel free to contribute.
Families vs. project overhead
Although it would be fair to say that two-dimensional components are less demanding on Revit, three-dimensional components are not something you should avoid simply to save on project overheads.Specifically relating to...
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18.03.2009
Using Parameters on Void Objects
Don’t forget you can use parameter-driven voids to drive geometry.
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18.03.2009
Metric Door Family Template
Don’t use the Revit metric door template to create your doors. Modify that template first to exclude the frame as the door width.
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18.03.2009
Reference Planes within Profile Families
Set the origin-defining reference planes within profile families (they are not necessarily defined as such within the family template).
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18.03.2009
Nested Families as Parameters
A nested family can be controlled by a parameter. (Hint: create an empty version and call it NONE to permit a ‘NONE’ option from the host family).
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18.03.2009
Object Style Subcategories
When requiring additional Object Style subcategories, create them judiciously and above all, be consistent so as to avoid erroneous duplications.
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18.03.2009
Learn to master Solid and Void forms
The better you can get at creating solid and void forms, the better you'll fare when massing objects. You'll also begin a deeper understanding of the way Revit works.
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18.03.2009
Parameters drive Reference Planes which drive the Geometry
Reference planes should be created first prior to creating model geometry. Test (flex) the family (using the Family Types dialog) until it behaves as desired. THEN add geometry. Dimensions and labels (geometry-driving...
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18.03.2009
Locking Linework
You generally don't need to lock linework when drawing linework over reference planes. Only constrain (lock) such objects if you find that it is necessary in order to get the geometry to behave.
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18.03.2009
Sketching Profiles
When sketching profiles (eg. profile families, extrusions, blends, sweeps, floors, ceilings etc.) you must draw a single, continuous, closed loop. You can't have overlapping lines, and don't click more than once on existing...
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18.03.2009
System Families
Any system family can be edited via a sketch menu, eg. floors, ceilings, roofs, stairs, railings, ramps.
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18.03.2009
Defaults for Control (flip) arrows
Control (flip) arrows should reside on the external side of an object (eg. wall, curtain wall, window).Skill Indicative skill level: Basic/Intermediate/AdvancedBeginner
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18.03.2009
Study examples
Learn by studying examples. Pull them apart and modify them to create what you want. Explore the parameters to see what they change.
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18.03.2009
Family Types
You can create family types within the Family Types dialog, but it is better to use Type Catalogs when you expect to be making more than a few.
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18.03.2009
Element Properties vs. Type Properties
Understand the difference between Element Properties and Type Properties early. Element properties are unique to selected elements (eg. height of a wall). Type Properties control every instance of a type of object (eg. width of...
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06.03.2009
Duplicating Family Types
You can duplicate existing types of components by selecting a sample, then navigating to Properties->Edit/New->Duplicate. Don't forget to name the new type appropriately.
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05.03.2009
Creating Constraints
You can create a constraint in a number of ways (eg. lock a dimension, or lock after aligning objects). However, it is best practice to only ever lock padlocks if you know you have to.
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05.03.2009
Potent Web Design