Parametric Families in Revit: Understanding and Generating Them
The basics of Revit families
Understanding that there are three types.
System families: system families are built-in, pre-defined components that are used to establish the fundamental framework of a building model in Revit. Systems like walls, roofs, floors, and structural columns are examples of system families. System families serve as the foundation for developing models but cannot be altered or personalized.
In place families: within the framework of a particular project, in-place families are distinctive components that are formed. The difference between them and loadable families is that they are produced specifically for a project and cannot be utilized in other projects. In-place families are helpful for building unique components that are unique to a project and are not available in pre-made families.
Loadable families: families that can be loaded into a Revit project and used as building components are known as loadable families. To fit the particular needs of a project, loadable families can be altered and changed. Examples of loadable families include doors, windows, furniture, and fixtures.
Parametric families
In the Revit family program, parameters are mathematical formulas and equations that describe the relationship between the components of the families. They serve as the foundation from which family components are built. Simply said, parameters show us how the width, length, and depth of the components relate to one another.
For example, a parametric door family can have parameters for the width, height, and thickness of the door, as well as for the type of handle and hinges to be used. When you place an instance of the door family in your Revit project, you can adjust these parameters to create a custom door that meets your design requirements.
Difference between Type and Instance parameter
Type parameter
A type parameter is a setting that is specified at the family’s type level and affects every instance of that type. As an example, if you have a parametric door family that includes a height parameter as a type parameter. All instances of that type will be affected by changes to the type parameter.
Instance Parameters:
A family instance-specific parameter is known as an instance parameter. A parametric door family, for example, can contain multiple instances, each of which can have a different height, width, or other characteristic. Instance parameters allow for greater flexibility and customization in a project, as they allow for unique variations within a family type.
Advantages of using parametric families in Revit:
Speed: Designers may quickly and easily develop and customize elements using parametric families, cutting down on the time spent on manual sketching and modelling.
Precision: It is possible to construct parametric families with high levels of accuracy, guaranteeing that all project components are uniform and fulfil the required standards.
Flexibility: Designers don’t have to reinvent the entire element when making modifications to parametric families, like changing the size or shape. This gives the design process more freedom.
Collaboration: Designers can collaborate more effectively when using parametric families since modifications to one piece can spread fast to others. This makes it easier to make sure that every component of a project is consistent and current.
How to Generate Parametric Families in Revit
- Open Revit and create a new family file: Go to “File” > “New” > “Family”. Select the appropriate category for your family (such as “Windows”, “Doors”, etc.) and if you are not sure in which category to put your family you can use the generic model template as a starting point.
- Create reference planes: Reference planes are important in Revit, as they are used to define the orientation and position of the family within the project. Use the “Reference Plane” tool to create the reference planes that you will need for your family.
3. Create the basic geometry: Use the modelling tools in Revit to create the basic shape of your component. You can use lines, arcs, and other shapes to create the profile of the family.
4. Add parameters: Go to the “Family Types” dialog box and click on “Add Parameter”. Here you can define the parameters that will control the size, shape, and appearance of the family. For example, you could add parameters for the width, height, and thickness of a door.
5. Add constraints: To make the parameters interdependent, you need to add constraints to the family. For example, you might specify that the height of the door cannot be greater than the height of the opening in which it will be placed.
6. Load the family into your project: Once you have finished creating the family, save it and then go to the project in which you want to use it. Load the family into the project by going to “Insert” > “Load Family”.
7. Place instances of the family: You can now place instances of the family in your project and adjust the parameters to suit your design requirements.
8. Test and validate: Before you use the family in your project, it is important to test it to make sure that it behaves as expected. Check that the parameters are interdependent and that the family meets your design requirements.
Conclusion
Revit’s Parametric Families remain essential for helping designers more accurately and quickly develop and customize architectural parts. Designers can save time and minimize mistakes during the design process by adopting parametric families, which makes it simpler to produce high-quality, consistent designs. Understanding and creating parametric families is a crucial ability that can help you succeed more in your BIM projects, regardless of how experienced or inexperienced you are with Revit.
