AR20299

Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Paul F. Aubin
Paul F. Aubin Consulting Services, Inc.

Learning Objectives
Learn how to create a simple, fully parametric model family
Learn how to use reference planes, constraints, and parameters
Learn how to nest components and set up a parametric array
Learn how to apply materials and other accoutrements

Description
Maybe you know the power of Revit softwares Family Editor but youve avoided it or it has
intimidated you until now. Wait no more. This session will introduce you to the basics of Family
Editor. Once you get past being intimidated, you will find that while Family Editor is extremely
powerful, it can actually be great fun. In this short introduction to Family Editor, we will create a
Revit component family complete with constraints and parameters. Dont worry if you dont know
what a constraint or parameter iswell cover that too. Whether youve never worked in Revit
software before, or youve used Revit software for a while but youve simply avoided Family
Editor, this class will teach you the basics of the family editor in a simple step-by-step fashion.
(The session uses architectural examples, but the concepts apply to all of the flavors of Revit
software, including Revit LT software.)

Your AU Expert(s)
Paul F. Aubin is the author of many Revit book titles including the widely acclaimed: The Aubin
Academy Series, Renaissance Revit and Revit video training at www.lynda.com/paulaubin. Paul
is an independent architectural consultant providing Revit for Architecture implementation,
training, and support services. Pauls involvement in the architectural profession spans over 25
years, with experience in design, production, CAD management, mentoring, coaching and
training. He is an active member of the Autodesk user community, an Expert Elite and is a top-
rated repeat speaker at Autodesk University, Revit Technology Conference and Midwest
University. His diverse experience in architectural firms, as a CAD manager, and an educator
gives his writing and his classroom instruction a fresh and credible focus. Paul is an associate
member of the American Institute of Architects and lives in Chicago with his wife and three
children.

Introduction
This class will introduce you to the basics of the Revit family editor. The family editor is extremely
powerful but sometimes intimidating. In this introduction to the family editor, we'll work through the
creation of a Revit component (loadable) family complete with constraints and parameters.

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Even if you are completely new to Revit, you have no doubt discovered how important families and the
family editor are to your success in Revit. Everything you create in Revit is part of a family
consequently, understanding families and what it takes to manipulate them is a vital part of learning the
software. Beginning with the difference between System and Component families this section will
explore the critical concepts and terminology. Well also take a quick look at what is provided in the
Revit libraries and learn about family templates. After this brief introduction to terminology, the rest of
the paper will focus on the component family creation procedures and strategiespresented in detailed
step-by-step procedures. Using the concepts and techniques covered herein, you will learn how to begin
tapping into one of the most powerful aspects of the Revit software packagethe Revit family editor!
Everything in Revit is part of a Family
In order to get started with the family editor, it is important to understand some basic concepts and
terminology. All elements in the Revit platform are part of a family and they fit into a clearly defined
hierarchy. At the top level of this hierarchy, are Categories. Categories are pre-defined within the
software and cannot be added, deleted or renamed. A wide variety of categories are included in Revit
and distributed among a few overall master groups including: model and annotation (but there are a
few others). Model Categories include all elements that comprise your building model such as: Walls,
Doors, Floors, Stairs and Beams. Annotation categories include items like Text, Dimensions and Tags.
Categories are by definition very broad. It would not be enough to simply have a Walls or Doors
category. These items come in all shapes, sizes and behaviors. Therefore, the next level of the hierarchy
is the Family. All Revit elements belong to a family. Families are best thought of simply as a collection of
like items sharing the same overall look and behavior. Revit includes many families such as the Basic
Wall wall family, the Single-Flush door family and many annotation families like Text or Linear
Dimension Style. Even the views themselves like floor plans and sections are system families in Revit.
Families branch into two major kinds based on their behavior: the System Family and the Component
(Loadable) Family. System families include anything that is built into the software and cannot be
manipulated by the user in the interface. This can include model components like walls and floors, but
also includes equally important items like floor plans, project data, and levels. System families cannot be
created or deleted. Their properties are pre-defined at the factory. However, most system families like
walls, floors and roofs can have more than one: Type. A type is our next level or hierarchy in Revit. Think
of it as a collection of variables (sizes, materials or other settings) saved to certain values and given a
name for ease of reuse. A Type provides a convenient way to switch several variables of a family at once.
A family can contain one or more types; each with its own unique user-editable settings. So while for
example we cannot create or delete wall families, we can add, delete and edit the types associated with
each of the provided wall families. For example, Basic Wall is the most common wall family. In the out-
of-the-box template files, there are several predefined Basic Wall types such as: Exterior Brick on CMU,
Generic 6 and Interior 5 Partition (1hr). The Basic Wall definition simply means that it is a layered
wall that has the same structure along its entire length and height. The actual make-up of this structure
can vary widely from type to type as the names noted here imply.
Other system families vary considerably in their specific composition and features, but at the conceptual
level they share the same basic characteristics: the overall behavior of the object is defined by the
system and cannot be redefined; however, the specific object-level parameters can be manipulated via
the creation and application of type and/or instance variations.

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As already noted, system families include both things that are part of the physical model in your Revit
projects (like walls, floors and roofs) and other items that are not (like views, project data, and levels).
To distinguish further, system families that also happen to be model elements are referred to as Host
elements. A Host is an element that can receive or support or provide structure for other model
elements. Hosts are often required for many of the component families like doors or windows which
require wall hosts, or lighting fixtures which often require ceiling hosts.
Component (or Loadable) families include everything that is not a system family. Many component
families are model elements, but they can also be annotation or other non-model elements as well.
Component families can be host-based (require a host), or they can be free-standing (not requiring
a host). Revit users can create, delete and modify component families (and their associated types). This
is accomplished in the family editor and each family thus created can be saved to its own unique file
(with and RFA extension). Like system families, component families can contain one or more types. They
can also have instance parameters that vary from instance to instance (not part of the type). Unlike
system families, they are completely customizable by the end user in the family editor.

Loadable component (model) families are the primary focus of this paper.

In addition to the system and component families, there is a third type of family in Revit called the In-
Place Family. In-place families are similar to component families in terms of creation, editing and
strategy. However, an in-place family is created directly within a project (not in a separate family file as
component families are) and it cannot be exported to other projects. Further, you can create in-place
versions of many system family categories like walls, roofs and floors. This capability allows the creation
of custom or free-form shapes not otherwise possible in pre-defined system families. You should only
consider creating an in-place family for elements that are unique to a particular project with little
possibility that you will ever want to reuse them in future projects. Also, in-place families as already
noted, offer the only means to customize certain system families like walls or roofs. In-place families
therefore prove effective for modeling unique existing conditions or very specialized and unique design
scenarios. However, wherever possible, consider if the item you wish to create can be built using either
predefined system elements or a component family first before resorting to an in-place family. Often
creating an in-place element seems like a good idea at the time only to later be the source of regret. We
will not be exploring in-place families in this paper.
Revit and Family terminology
Here is a brief summary of Revit for Architecture critical terminology. The illustration is borrowed from
the online help file a few releases back. There is a different version in the current help system, but I
prefer this illustration as I believe it still does the best job of summarizing all of the various kinds of
elements in the Revit environment.

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ElementAnything in your Revit Architecture project.
(Elements in italic can be created and edited in the family editor)
Model ElementSomething that represents the actual geometry of your building.
Host ElementAn element that can receive or support or provide structure for other
model elements (built in-place construction).
Component ElementAn item inserted into a project (items that are pre-manufactured,
purchased and installed). Can be freestanding or require a host.
Host Based Component ElementA Component Element that must be inserted
on or into a Host.
Freestanding Component ElementA Component Element that can be inserted
independently without a Host.
View Element*An item in the Revit interface that allows you to see and interact with all other
elements. Views conform to the characteristics of typical architectural drawing types like plan,
section, elevation and schedule. Some View Element families allow customization of Types,
many do not.
Datum Element*Include Levels, Grids and Reference Planes. These are used establish project
context, limits, extents and the like. Datum Elements provide guidelines and limits for other

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 elements within a project and can also include annotative qualities. The families and types of
datum elements cannot be edited.
View-Specific ElementSomething that is used to document, describe or embellish a view of
your project. View-specific elements do not appear in any other views automatically. If you wish
to repeat view-specific items in other views, you can copy and paste them.
Detail ElementA two-dimensional family typically representing a model element but at
a level of detail that would be impractical to model. Detail elements appear only in the
view in which they are added. Detail Elements remain their actual size as created and do
not adjust scale with the view.
Annotation Element*Include text, dimensions tags and symbols. These items are view-
specific (appearing only in the view in which they are added) and are used to notate,
embellish, describe and document design intent within a Revit Architecture project.
Annotation elements maintain a constant size relative to the plotting scale of the view in
order to maintain a constant size relative the sheet on which they are placed.
*Level and Grid head tags, Section and Elevation head tags, model element Tags and
Symbols (Generic Annotation families) can be created and modified in the family editor.
Text and Dimensions cannot.
Many of the branches in the diagram contain both system and component families. Naturally for a
discussion on the family editor, we are therefore limited to considering only the non-system families.
This includes all items on the Component Elements model branch, Detail Item families on the Detail
Elements branch, Loaded Tags on the Annotation Elements branch and a few other miscellaneous
elements as well like titleblock families or view tags and level head symbols.
Family Libraries and Resources
The first step to working in Revit in general and building families in specific is to become comfortable
with this list of terms. Keep it handy as reference as you continue. But before you embark on the
process of building family content, it should be noted that there are many families included with the
software and many more resources available online. A quick search in Google will turn up hundreds of
sites containing tips, tricks and downloadable content. Do take the time to explore the out-of-the-box
offerings and some of many available sites as well if you have not already done so.
As has been noted, you cannot create or delete system families. All system families will already be in
your project file. To add types that are not present to a system family, you either have to duplicate an
existing type, rename and modify it, or import one from another project. To import from another
project, you can use Transfer Project Standards (Manage tab) or copy and paste.
To use a component family from outside the project in your current project, you can load it from a
family file (RFA) or copy and paste from another project. To load a family file, use the Load Family
button on the Insert tab of the ribbon, or the contextual ribbon tab when a command is active. For
example, if you click the Door tool (Architecture tab), the Load Family button will appear on the Modify
| Place Door tab. This lets you load a door family and place it all in the same procedure. Also, on the
Insert tab of the ribbon, on the Autodesk Seek panel, you can run a search from directly in Revit of the
online Autodesk Seek website. You can also type: seek.autodesk.com into your web browser.

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In many cases, a family similar to the one you wish to create will already exist somewhere in the product or
online in one of the myriad online resources. Most companies also maintain their own libraries of office
standard content on their internal servers. Check with your CAD/BIM Manager to see what your firm offers.
The Recommended way to Get Started
Practical wisdom says that it makes more sense to begin with something in the library and either use it
as-is, or modify it to suit your needs. Typically, this will be easier than starting from scratch. In your day-
to-day work when you are up against deadlines, this is by far the best approach. Just be sure to take a
little time to vet any unknown or newly downloaded content to ensure that it meets your office
standards before using it on a live project.
If you are new to creating families in Revit (as I assume you are because you attending this session), then
I recommend that you create your first few families FROM SCRATCH. By building the entire family
yourself, you will learn more than simply modifying one. Furthermore, families can include very complex
parameters and constraints that often link to one another in a chained and sometimes complex or even
convoluted fashion. Even for seasoned family content authors, it can be difficult to dissect these often
complex relationships. Therefore, to avoid becoming discouraged, it is recommended that you start with
a small simple example and work your way to more complexity over time.
For example, dont start with a Door or Window family. These are more complex than they at first seem.
Begin with something small, simple and boxy: like a simple piece of furniture or equipment.
Family creation procedures
The basic process for creating a family is as follows: decide what type of family you need. This will
include deciding what it should look like, how much detail to include and whether the graphics or level
of detail should change in different views. You can start by sketching out (yes on paper see Figure 1)
the family you intend to create and make notes about its requirements.

Figure 1

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Next, create a new family file from the appropriate template or open and existing family file similar to
the one you wish to create and save as. The choice of family template is important. The templates
included with the software are provided by Autodesk with the product. Each contains basic settings,
behaviors and in many cases some simple geometry or reference planes. The geometry included (like a
sample length of wall) is only for reference and does not get inserted with the family when used in a
project. While it is possible to change the category of family after creation, it is best to choose wisely at
the start. Try to choose the most appropriate category selecting: Generic Model.rft only if no other
suitable category can be determined. Unlike category, the hosting behavior of a family file cannot be
changed after it is created. So if you are not certain that you want the family you are creating to require
a Host, it is safer to build it without one. In other words, if you choose Casework wall based.rft as the
template, the family you create will always require a wall in order to be inserted. If you think you might
like to use the cabinet as a freestanding piece of casework, choose the Casework.rft template instead.
You can always use the Align tool to move the non-hosted cabinet to a wall face later. You cannot later
decide to detach the hosted casework item from its host wall.
Once you have decided what you want to build and created a new family file based on an existing file or
the appropriate new template, you are ready to create your family reference planes, parameters and
geometry. It is usually best to start with the framework. If you begin with an existing family, delete
anything you dont need first. Then in both existing and new families, add the Reference Planes you will
need. Reference planes provide the skeleton for your family. Some templates already contain basic
reference planes. You can use these as-is or modify them. The proper procedure is to manipulate or
create reference planes, optionally constrain or assign parameters to these planes, and then create
geometry and lock it to the reference planes. In this way, the reference planes actually drive the
geometry. This is the most reliable, best-practice way to build your family files.
Once you have laid down your reference plane framework and assigned parameters and constraints, test
the family by flexing it. This is done in the Family Types dialog which you can access from the Family
Types button on the ribbon. To flex the model, simply try different values for each parameter and then
apply. If the framework moves the way you expect, everything is good. Otherwise, undo, and try to fix
the problem. We will see several examples below.
When all geometry and parameters have been created, applied and flexed, you are ready to save the file
and load it into a test project (below I use the 100 Sandbox.rvt file for this purpose). If necessary, return
to the family editor to make any adjustments and then reload, otherwise your family file is complete.
Constraints and Parameters
In its simplest form, a family can be a static graphic or symbol. Such a family would be drawn the way it
was intended to look regardless of the circumstance. The out-of-the-box Chair-Breuer is one such
example. There are no types or user-editable dimensions in this family. However, one of the things that
make families so powerful is their ability to use variables to help them conform to varying
circumstances. This is done using constraints and parameters. While each of these terms has several
possible meanings, in the context of Revit the following definitions are suitable to our discussion.
Constraintis a fixed rule that can only be manipulated by editing the family file.
Parametercreates a rule or relationship that has user-editable properties.
Essentially each of these is a rule applied to some part of a familys geometry or behavior, but a
constraint cannot be manipulated by the end user, and a parameter can. For example, if you were

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working with a door family and you wanted to ensure that a vision panel was 10" from the door edge
regardless of the doors width, you would use a constraint within the family editor to achieve this. On
the other hand, if you want to allow the same door family to have varying (flexible) sizes for height and
width of the vision panel, these would be parameters. By making vision panel width and height
parameters and using them to drive the geometry within the family, the user can exercise much greater
control than would otherwise be possible. However, the location of the vision panel with respect to the
door would be fixed.
Solid and Void Form Geometry Types
Geometry in families consists of solid and void forms. Solid forms represent the actual physical parts of
the family and void forms are used to carve away portions of the solid forms. For example, you could
create a solid form box, and then use a void form to cut a hole in it like a donut. Both solid and void
forms come in five varieties. These include: Extrusion, Blend, Revolve, Sweep and Swept Blend (see
Figure 2). We will use an extrusion and a blend in the tutorials below.

Figure 2 Forms available in the family editor

An extrusion is a sketched shape pushed along a distance perpendicular to the sketch plane. A blend is
similar accept that instead of a single shape, you have both a top and a bottom shape and the 3D form
transforms (or blends) from one to the other along the perpendicular height of the form. A revolve spins
a sketch shape around an axis. The revolve can be a full 360 or a partial arc. A sweep pushes a shape
(sketch or loaded profile) along a sketched path. The shape is perpendicular to the path. A swept blend
combines features of both the blend and the sweep. The form morphs between two profiles or sketches
as in a blend, but can follow a non-linear path. Unfortunately, the swept blend path can only contain
one segment unlike the sweep. This means that complex forms require a spline path. Using a
combination of solid and void forms you can create nearly any three-dimensional shape.
Family Types
As we have already pointed out above, families can contain types. A type is a saved and named
collection of values for the parameters within a family. You can add as many types as you wish. Types
can be added within the family editor or even later in the project.
Nested Families
You can build complex forms using a combination of the solid and void forms available in the family
editor as noted above. However, managing a complex form in a single family can become cumbersome.
In many cases, it makes sense to break your object into discreet parts and build the parts as separate

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families. You can then insert these simpler families into another family that represents the whole. This is
referred to as nested families. When you manage your complex families in this way, you gain more
control and flexibility.
Subcategories and Visibility parameters
Any family you create or load from a library will belong to a certain category. Each of the elements
within the family can belong to a subcategory within the family. Subcategories provide an extra level of
visibility and graphical control over the parts of a family. For example, in the door families included with
the software, there are several pre-defined subcategories. One such subcategory is the Plan Swing.
Using this subcategory, it is possible to make door plan swings a lighter pen weight across a project
regardless of the specific family. This helps enforce standards and simplifies such changes.
Visibility parameters are another way to control elements within a family. Sometimes it is useful to see
part of the family only in certain circumstances. For example, you could create a casework family where
hardware was an optional display component. In this case, a visibility parameter would be assigned to
the hardware elements within the casework family and the visibility parameter could then be toggled on
or off by the user depending on whether or not the needed to show it in a given situation.
Tutorial
That completes the introductory materials. The remainder of the paper is tutorial which will allow you to
follow along with complete step-by-step instructions. Explanations are given in line with the steps, but
the steps are highlighted to help them stand out. Many of the concepts discussed in the preceding
topics will be showcased in the tutorial that follows.

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Before we begin
This is an INTRODUCTORY class. If you already know how to use the Family Editor and have
already created your own family content in Revit, most of the topics covered in this lab will likely
be review to you.
I assume NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE of the family editor. We will start at the beginning.
I will be teaching the course using Architectural examples. However, most if not all concepts
should apply equally to other flavors of Revit. This includes Revit LT.
This is a Hands-on lab. If you dont wish to follow along, please pass the mouse to the person
sitting next to you.

Family Editor 000

Prerequisites and Setup

If you were going into the shop to build some cabinetry, youd want to make sure you had all the tools
you needed and that the shop was in order before you started. Lets do the same in Revit.
All steps and screen shots here are Revit for Architecture 2017, but most should work in other flavors or
versions. (If you use an older version of Revit, you can visit: http://paulaubin.com/au/ to find older
versions of this class including the dataset in earlier Revit versions).
Steps have been kept brief to allow the tutorial to flow without interruption. Please refer back to the
topics above for further details on the concepts showcased herein.
1. If Revit is not already running, launch it now.
2. From the Application Menu (big R), or on the Recent Files screen, choose Open >
Project.
3. Browse to the folder where you unzipped the dataset files and open the file named:
100 Sandbox.rvt.
4. Minimize the active view.
The project file will remain open as we work through the next several lessons. As you build family
content, you will want to test if frequently. Having a project file open in the background is an excellent
way to do this. I like to minimize it so that it stays out of my way till I need it. There is nothing special
about a sandbox except what you put in it. You can open your standard office template, add a few
walls and other items and save it as a sandbox. It is that simple.
And now, on with the good stuff! Lets start building some family content!

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Family Editor 101

Getting Started with the Family Editor

It all starts with a box. A box you say? Yes a box. The first thing you need to learn to build in the family
editor is a simple box. But not just any box, well be building a Parametric Box. Ooo ahh.
1. From the Application Menu (big R), choose: New > Family.
The New Family Select a Template File dialog will appear. Template files do some very important
things to get you off to a good start in your families. For now, we will just choose: Generic Model. (Dont
be fooled by this choice however. Template choice is very important and was discussed in a little more
detail in the Family creation procedures topic above).
2. Select: Generic Model.rft from the list and then click Open.
3. Type WT and then ZA.
4. From the Application Menu choose Save (or CTRL + S) and name the file: Box.rfa.
These two keyboard shortcuts tile the windows and zoom them all to fit the available space. If you are
not using keyboard shortcuts, you should consider learning some. Big time savers!

Create Reference Planes

Reference planes give our family its structure. Think of it as the skeleton of your family. Always start
with reference planes.
1. On the Create tab, click the Reference Plane (not Reference Line) button (or type: RP).
2. Working in the floor plan view, draw a vertical reference plane on the left of the centerline.
Edit the dimension to make it: 3'-0" from center (see Figure 3).
3. Click in the Click to name onscreen control, type: Left and then press ENTER.

Figure 3

4. Repeat to create a horizontal one below at: 2'-0" from center. Name it: Front.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

5. Click the Modify tool to cancel.

6. Mirror the horizontal one to the opposite side and then name: Back.
7. Repeat for the remaining one, name it: Right (youll end up with four total, see Figure 4).

Figure 4

8. Add dimensions (Modify tab or type: DI) to each group of reference planes. Two vertical
and two horizontal. There should be an overall and a continuous string including the
centerline in each direction (see Figure 5).

Figure 5

9. Select each of the continuous strings and toggle on the Equality (click the small EQ icon
see the left side of Figure 6).

Figure 6

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

10. Select the 6'-0" overall dimension. On the on the ribbon, next to the Label drop-down, click
the small Create Parameter icon (see the right side of Figure 6).
11. In the Parameter Properties dialog that appears, name the new parameter: Width, choose
the Instance radio button (do not check reporting) and then click OK (see Figure 7).

Figure 7

12. Repeat for the other dimension calling it: Depth and also an Instance parameter.

Flex the model

What we have so far is a rectangular formwork defined by the reference planes. The two labeled
dimensions are parameters that will allow these dimensions to be flexible. The two EQ dimensions
will constrain the model in such a way as to keep everything centered. Lets test it out. When you test
your flexible family, it is called flexing the model.
1. On the ribbon, click the Family Types button (see Figure 8).

Figure 8

2. Input a different value for both the Width and Depth fields and then click the Apply
button.
The locations of the Reference Planes should adjust but stay equally spaced from the center. If it does,
congratulations, you have completed your first set of correctly configured parameters.
3. Reset the Width to 6'-0" and the Depth to 4'-0" and then click OK.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Repeat the process

Now well shift to elevation and add a reference plane to control the height.
1. In the Front elevation view, on the Create tab again, create another reference plane running
parallel to and: 3'-0" off the ground. Name it: Top.
2. Add a dimension between the new reference plane and the Ref Level already in the file.
Label the new dimension with a new parameter and call it: Height. Make it an Instance
parameter (not reporting).
CATCH UP! If you get behind, look for these boxes. I have saved versions of the files at various stages of
completion. You can open the file completed to this point named: 101 Box_A.rfa.

Add Geometry
How about some geometry? With a good framework in place, you are ready to add your first solid form
to the Family.
1. In Plan view, on the Create tab, click the Extrusion button.
2. On the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, on the Draw panel, click the Rectangle shape (see
Figure 9).

Figure 9

3. Snap to the intersection of two of the reference planes for the first corner, and then snap to
the opposite intersection for the other corner.
4. Lock all four sides.
5. On the ribbon, click the big green checkmark button to finish (see the
top of Figure 10).
6. Zoom the 3D view to fit. Click a corner of the ViewCube to do this
quickly. Turn on Shading in the 3D view (see the bottom of Figure 10). Figure 10

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

7. In the Front view, select the box. Drag the triangle shape handle grip at the top and snap it
to the reference plane. Lock it (see Figure 11).

Figure 11

Load into a Project

The best way to flex any new family is to load it into a project. This is where the Sandbox file we opened
earlier comes in.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 101 Box_B.rfa.

If you did not open and minimize the 100 Sandbox.rvt project file earlier, please open and minimize it now.
1. With your Box Family active, on the ribbon, click the Load into Project button
(see Figure 12). Place it anywhere inside the building.

Figure 12

2. Make a couple copies. Try moving or rotating them.

3. On the Properties palette, edit the: Width, Depth and Height (see Figure 13).
Notice each instance can have its own
dimensions (this is because we used Instance
parameters). Expand the Families branch of the
Project Browser. Under Generic Models you
will see the Box family.
Congratulations. You have created your first
parametric model family. Granted it is just a
simple box, but that simple box can become lots
Figure 13
of useful things as well see in the next topic.
4. Minimize the 100 Sandbox.rvt file. Your Box should still be opened with views tiled.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Family Editor 102

More than a box

Think of the box we just created as a jig. Naturally there are many useful forms we could create. But
perhaps none is more versatile than a simple flexible box. And this simple box becomes a seed from
which we can derive many other families.
1. Save the file as: Shelf.rfa.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 102 Shelf_A.rfa.

2. In the Front elevation, create a new reference plane below the Ref. Level about: 4" away.
Name it: Underside.
3. Select the Extrusion. On the ribbon, click the Edit Work Plane button. From the Name list,
choose: Reference Plane: Underside and then click OK (see the left side of Figure 14).

Figure 14

4. Drag the control grip down and snap it to the Ref. Level. (This will cause an error). When
the error dialog appears, click the: Remove Constraints button (see the right of Figure 14).
5. Lock the new position of the Extrusion shape handle. You should have a very short box
completely below the Ref. Level (see Figure 15).

Figure 15

Re-Constrain the Height

Lets apply the Height parameter to our new reference plane.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

1. Add a Dimension between the Underside Reference Plane and the Ref. Level.
Be VERY careful to dimension to the reference plane and level NOT the box. Use TAB as necessary.
2. Label it with the existing: Height parameter.
This will immediately flex the extrusion and make it 3'-0" tall, but in the negative direction!
3. Delete the Top Reference Plane.
There are other ways to achieve a similar effect. This approach is taken to keep the extrusion height a
positive number but make the insertion point of the shelf at the top surface of the shelf.

Flex and Save

While it is possible to have a 4 x 6 shelf, it is pretty unlikely that we would have a shelf that is 3'-0" thick.
Lets return to Family Types and set the sizes to more reasonable values.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 102 Shelf_B.rfa.

1. Open Family Types and flex. Input values of Width = 4'-0", Depth = 1'-4" and
Height = " and then click Apply.
2. Assuming there are no errors, click OK and then Save the file (see Figure 16).

Figure 16

So with minor adjustment, our simple box becomes a shelf. Now lets give it some supports.

Family Editor 103

Solids and Voids

To create a support bracket for our shelf, well try a new form: a Solid Blend. However, it starts with the
same basic armature that we used for the box. So rather than start from scratch, lets save it as a new file.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 102 Shelf_C.rfa.

1. From the Application Menu (big R), choose Save As > Family. Call it Bracket.rfa.
Since we are starting with an existing file, we need to make a few adjustments. Ultimately in your own
work, you can proceed as we are doing here, or you can build each new family from scratch including all
reference planes and dimensions. The choice is up to you.
2. Select the Underside reference plane and on the Properties palette, rename it: Bottom.
3. In the Front elevation, with the reference plane still selected, click on the Height
dimension.
It will become an editable temporary dimension which allows you to flex it directly.
4. In the dimension, input a value of: 1'-0" and press ENTER.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 103 Bracket_A.rfa.

OK, it doesnt look much like a bracket yet. But as well see it has all the raw materials we need to
quickly transform it. We need to first add one more reference plane and adjust a few parameters.
5. In the Front view, zoom in if necessary and add a new reference plane: " below the Ref.
Level. Add a dimension between this one and the Ref. Level (not the box itself use TAB)
Instead of adding a parameter, simply lock it. This will make this dimension fixed
making it a constraint (see Figure 17).
Important: Be sure to dimension to the Ref Level and NOT the box use TAB.

Figure 17

6. Open the Family Types dialog. Select the Width parameter and at the bottom, click the
Modify icon (small pencil). Change the name to: Thickness and then click OK twice.
7. In the Front elevation view, delete the Extrusion. Save the file.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Create a new Blend

Lets now build some new geometry.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 103 Bracket_B.rfa.

Work planes are very important when creating solid forms. We saw above that we can edit the work
plane of a solid element after it is created. A better approach is to set a work plane current before you
create the form. This gives much more control. Any named reference plane can be used as a work plane.
1. In the Front view, on the Create tab, on the Work Plane panel, click the Set button.

Figure 18

2. In the Work Plane dialog, from the Name list, choose: Reference Plane: Back and then
click OK (see Figure 18).
3. Stay in the Front elevation and then on the Create tab, click the Blend tool.
4. On the Draw panel, select the Rectangle shape and snap to the opposite corners of the
rectangle defined by Ref. Level, Bottom, Left and Right Reference Planes. Lock all sides
(see the left side of Figure 19).

Figure 19

5. On the ribbon, click the Edit Top button.

6. Choose Rectangle again and create a thin rectangle between the Ref. Level, Left, Right and
the new Reference Plane at ". Lock all sides (see the right side of Figure 19).
7. On the ribbon, click the green checkmark button to finish.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 20

8. Zoom in on the Left elevation view. Use the control grip to drag the depth of the blend and
snap it to the Front Reference Plane. Lock it (see Figure 20)

Flex the Blend

While it is certainly possible to have a bracket in this shape, its proportions are perhaps a bit off.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 103 Bracket_C.rfa.

1. Open Family Types.

2. Change the Thickness to: ", the Height to: 4". Leave the Depth at: 1'-4" and then click
OK (see Figure 21).

Figure 21

3. Save the file.

Add a Void Form

There are many other solid forms available. Feel free to explore more on your own. There are also void
forms. Voids cut away from solids. Lets do a simple example.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

1. Open the Left elevation view and zoom in on the bracket toward the back.
2. On the Create tab, click the Void Forms dropdown and then choose: Void Extrusion.
3. Create a circle inside the space of the bracket with a: 1 " radius.
4. Click the Modify tool to cancel. Select the circle and on the Properties palette, check the
Center Mark Visible checkbox.
5. Add a dimension from the Ref. Level to the center of the circle. Select the circle and edit
the dimension to: 1 ".
6. Add a second dimension from the Back reference plane to the center of the circle at: 2"
away (see Figure 22).

Figure 22

7. Click the Finish Edit Mode button.

Like any extrusion, this one defaulted to the last value used, or: 1'-0" here. It also uses a work plane of
the Center (Left/Right) by default. You can edit the work plane, use the grips to edit the depth, or type in
values on the Properties palette. We want the void to cut all the way through the blend.
8. In the Front view, adjust the depth of the Void to cut through the blend.

Adjust the Origin

The way our family is currently defined, the origin point which controls the insertion of the family is at
the intersection of the two center reference planes. For a shelf bracket, the Back plane and Center
(Left/Right) would make a better choice.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 23

1. In the Plan view, select the Back reference plane. On the Properties palette, check the
Defines Origin checkbox (see Figure 23).
2. Save the Bracket.rfa file.

Family Editor 104

Nesting Families

To make more complex forms, you will often want to model it in pieces. Break a large item into smaller
parts, model each as a separate family and then pull them all together in a single host family. This is
referred to as nesting families.
1. Keep your Bracket family open. Reopen your Shelf.rfa Family file.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 104 Shelf_D.rfa for the shelf
and 104 Bracket_D.rfa for the bracket.

2. Using Switch Windows, switch over to one of the views for the Bracket family such as:
Bracket.rfa 3D View: View 1.
3. On the ribbon, click the Load into Project and Close button.
If you click the Load into Project button instead, it will still load the family, but the other family will
remain open and you will need to later manually close the Bracket family.
4. In the dialog that appears, check the Shelf family only (not the Sandbox) and then click OK
(see Figure 24).

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 24

This should run the Component tool. If the plan view did not activate, click in the plan to activate it. If
you need to start the tool again, on the Create tab, click the Component tool.
5. In the Plan view, place an instance of the bracket. The exact location is not important. Get
it close.
6. Use the Align tool to snap the back of the bracket to the Back reference plane in the Shelf
family. Lock it.
7. Create a dimension between the Left reference plane and the center of the bracket.
8. Cancel the dimension command, select the bracket and then edit the temporary dimension
to: 4". Lock it (see the left side of Figure 25).
9. Open the Left elevation view, on the Modify tab, click the Align tool.

Figure 25

10. First select the Underside reference plane for the alignment reference. Then be sure to use
the TAB key and make sure you are aligning the top of the Bracket and NOT the Extrusion:
Shape Handle. Lock it (see the right side of Figure 25).
11. Mirror the Bracket to the other side and constrain it the same way. You must repeat all
alignment steps and lock them.
12. Open Family Types and flex.
13. Save the Shelf file and if necessary, close the Bracket file.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Linking Parameters between Host and Nested

Locking to the reference planes keeps the brackets positioned well as the shelf changes shape. If you like
you can establish a relationship between the parameters in the host file (the Shelf) and the nested
family (the Bracket).
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 104 Shelf_E.rfa.

1. Select both Brackets onscreen. Left view is a good place to do this.

2. On the Properties palette, locate the small Associate Family Parameter button to the right of
the Depth field and then click it.

Figure 26

3. In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, choose Depth and then click OK (see Figure 26).
4. Flex the Depth.
Notice how the Depth parameter of the host family now also flexes the nested components.
5. Save the Family.

Family Editor 105

Creating Family Types

When you get tired of manually editing the values of each field when you flex, its time to create some
family types.
1. Continue with your Shelf family open. Save it as: Shelf w Brackets.rfa.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 105 Shelf w Brackets_A.rfa.

2. Open the Family Types dialog.

3. At the top of the Family Types dialog, on the right, click the New icon. Input: 48" x 16"
for the name and then click OK.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

4. Click new again, input: 54" x 20" and then click OK.
5. Change the Width to: 4'-6" and the Depth to: 1'-8" and then click Apply.
6. From the Name list at the top, choose: 48" x 16" and then click Apply.
Notice how having types makes it easy to flex! Feel free to add more types if you wish.
7. Save the family.

Family Editor 201

Assemble a complex Family

The shelf we have could be loaded into our sandbox project and aligned with any of the walls and copied
around as needed. But to make our family even more useful and powerful, we can nest it further into a
new host family. In this segment, well build a shelving unit that repeats multiple shelves and exhibits
several other useful features as well.
1. Open the Family named: 201 Shelving Unit_A.rfa. Save it as: Shelving Unit.rfa.
This family already has some reference planes, dimensions, parameters and a simple extrusion in it.
With the exception of a few extra reference planes and a couple extra dimensions, the setup in this file
is very similar to our simple box family above. In fact, in the center we have a long thin box constrained
to the reference planes. This box is the back wall of our shelving unit.
Do note however the difference in the way that the Depth parameter is applied. The shelving unit we
will be building will have the option of being one sided or two sided. Applying the Depth parameter on
each side facilitates this in a way that would be difficult with an equality dimension.

Figure 27

2. Directly above the Family Types button click the Family Category and Parameters button
(see Figure 28).

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 28

Notice that this family is set to the Furniture category. In the previous exercises, we used the Generic
Model category. In general, it is preferable to choose a more specific category wherever possible.
MasterSpec lists Retail Furniture in division 12: Furnishings and Storage Assemblies in division 10:
Specialties. Translated to Revit categories, this gives us a choice between Furniture (assigned here) or
Specialty Equipment. The choice should be considered carefully when devising your family content.
While possible to change your category later, it can cause issues if you change it too far into the
development process for your family. So try to choose early.
Nest in and Position the Shelf
Load in your shelf w brackets and position it using the Align tool as we did above.
1. Using Switch Windows, switch over to plan view of your Shelf w Brackets Family.
2. Following the steps above, set the Back Reference Plane as the Origin and Save the Family.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 201 Shelf w Brackets_B.rfa.

3. On the ribbon, click the: Load into Project and Close button. In the dialog that appears,
check the Shelving_Unit family only and then click OK.
4. Place an instance of the Shelf in the plan view in the lower portion of the screen.
5. Using the Align tool, align the center of the shelf to the center of the host family. Lock it.
6. Align the back of the Shelf w Brackets to the reference plane named Single-Sided Shelf
Plane. Lock it as well.
7. Cancel the Align command and then Tile the windows (press WT).
8. In the Left view, select the Shelf. On the Properties palette, change the Offset to: 2'-0".

Create a Parametric Array

When you create an Array in Revit, it does not have to be just a one-time copy command. You can leave
it parametric! This means we can adjust quantity later and update the geometry.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 201 Shelving Unit_B.rfa.

1. In the Left view, select the Shelf. On the Modify | Generic Models tab, click the Array
button.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

2. On the Options Bar, verify that the linear icon and that the Group and Associate checkbox
are both selected. Change the Number to 4, choose the Last option and check Constrain
(See Figure 29).

Figure 29

3. Click a start point near the shelf, drag up and click again about: 4'-6" away.
You can try different numbers for the array value to test it if you wish. Lets now assign a parameter to
the quantity.
4. Select the Array dimension. (It will be a line near the quantity number onscreen).
5. On the Options Bar, click on the Label dropdown and choose: <Add parameter>. For the
Name type: Number of Shelves, make it an Instance property, group it under Graphics
and then click OK.
6. Open Family Types and flex.

Add a Flip Control

A Flip control provides a quick and easy way to flip or rotate a family during or after placement. Lets
add one to our Shelving Unit family.
1. Continue in your Shelving Unit family and make sure the plan view is active.
2. On the Create tab, click the Control button.
3. On the Modify | Place Control tab, click the Double Vertical button and then click beneath
the plan geometry to place the control (see Figure 30).

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 30

4. On the ribbon, click the Modify tool and then Save the family.

Load into the Sandbox

Lets test the family out in our Sandbox project.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 201 Shelving Unit_C.rfa.

1. On the ribbon, click the Load into Project button. Load it into the Sandbox file.
We are using Load into Project and not Load into Project and Close this time. We want to leave the
Shelving Unit family open as we test it in the Sandbox.
2. Place an instance in the file.
3. Switch to plan view and try out the flip control.
The basic geometry of the family is complete. The next several topics will add more complexity and
robust features to the family. We will try to get through as many as the lab time will permit. Feel free to
use the steps outlined here to continue refining this collection of families after the lab on your own.

Family Editor 301

One-sided or Two-sided?

We have many ways to make this family more robust. Lets start by giving it the option to be one or two-sided.
1. Continue in your Shelving Unit Family. Close other families if any are open. Leave the
Sandbox project file open and minimized.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 301 Shelving Unit_D.rfa.

2. In the Left elevation view, select the base shelf extrusion (it was already in the file above)
and the lowermost shelf in the array.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

3. On the Modify | Multi-Select tab, click the Mirror - Pick Axis tool (or type MM). Pick the
Center Front/Back reference plane as the axis of reflection (see Figure 31).

Figure 31

4. Select the new shelf w brackets created by the mirror (Only the mirrored one). It will still
be grouped. On the ribbon, click the Ungroup button.
When you array, it creates a group. Copying grouped elements do not keep them associated with the
original array but will leave them grouped. So ungrouping the mirrored shelf is important here. Be sure
however to ungroup ONLY the mirrored shelf. Not the ones on the other side of the wall.

Create and Apply a Visibility Parameter

The items that we mirrored we want to display only some of the time. To do this, we can make a
parameter to control element Visibility.
1. Select the two mirrored elements (one extrusion and the ungrouped shelf w brackets).
2. On the Properties palette, click the small Associate Family Parameter button to the right of
the Visible checkbox. (Do not click the checkbox, click the small button next to it).
3. In the Associate Family Parameter dialog that appears, click the Add Parameter button
at the bottom.
4. In the Parameter Properties dialog, name it: Gondola Unit, group it under: Graphics.
5. Near the bottom of the dialog, click the Edit Tooltip button.

Figure 32

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

6. Select all of the text in the Edit Tooltip dialog and then type: Determines if the unit is
one-sided or two-sided.
7. Click OK three times.

A small equals (=) sign will appear on the button to indicate that it is now driven
by a parameter (see Figure 33).
8. Select just the ungrouped shelf. Repeat the process above to array it
using the same settings as before.
9. Label the array with the same Number of Shelves parameter
(see Figure 34). Figure 33

Figure 34

Create Family Types

To test our new parameters, lets create a few family types.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 301 Shelving Unit_E.rfa.

1. Open the Family Types dialog.

2. Click the New icon. Name the new type: Wall Unit and then click OK.
3. Uncheck the Gondola Unit checkbox and then click Apply.
4. Click New again. Name it: Gondola Unit. Check the Gondola Unit checkbox and then
click OK.
You will not see the effect of the visibility checkbox initially. To see it in the family editor, you can use
the Preview Visibility mode.
5. On the View Control Bar, click the Preview Visibility pop-up and choose: Preview
Visibility On.
6. Open Family Types and then choose one of the types and click Apply.
7. Choose the other type and then click Apply (see Figure 35).

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 35

The other way to preview the family is to load it into the project. If you have been continuing in your
own file throughout, you will have an extra type on the Type Selector with the same name as your
family. This was created automatically by Revit when we loaded the family earlier to test the flip control.
If a family has no types (as was the case before we added them just now) Revit creates a type for you
with the same name as the family. You can expand the Families branch of the Project Browser, expand
Furniture, locate and delete this extra type by right-clicking on it.

Family Editor 302

Tweaking the Graphics

The Visibility parameter immediately introduces a great deal of flexibility to the family. But we have only
scratched the surface. In this segment well look at some ways to refine the graphics.
1. Remain in the Sandbox project file. Open the Level 1 plan view (see Figure 36).
Notice the double line at the front edge of the shelf. One of these lines is the edge of the base shelf and
the other is the upper shelves. In small scale plans, you may not wish to see both of these lines. Firstly,
lets assume that the design is correctly modeled, and depth of the bottom shelf is a bit larger. We can
adjust which elements Revit displays in a number of ways.

Figure 36

2. Minimize the floor plan to switch back over to the Shelving Unit Family file.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Adjust Visibility
The visibility settings of each element in your family can be customized to determine when they display.
Conditions available include Plan/RCP, elevation views and Course, Medium and Fine detail levels. Well
just do a simple example here. Feel free to experiment further.
1. Select one of the shelves. (It will highlight with a dashed box around it indicating that it is
part of a Group the array group in this case). You can select any instance of the shelf.
2. On the ribbon, click the Edit Group button.
3. In Edit Group mode, select the nested shelf family instance onscreen. On the Modify |
Generic Models tab, click the Visibility Settings button (see Figure 37).

Figure 37

4. In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, uncheck the Plan/RCP box and then
click OK (see Figure 38).

Figure 38

5. Click the Finish button on the Edit Group panel.

6. Repeat for the Group on the other side.
If you watch for the names of groups as you select them, you will see that the first array is called: Array
Group 1 and the other is called: Array Group 2. This is why we have to do the edit twice. However, you
do not need to do every shelf. Edits to a group apply to all instances of the group.
7. Save the family, and use Preview Visibility or reload it into the project to test it
(see Figure 39).

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 39

Family Editor 303

Adding Materials

Materials can be assigned to the elements in a family just like elements in a project to give them more
realism. The family editor usually includes only a few materials however, so it is often best to use a
Material parameter as a placeholder and then assign the actual material once the family is loaded into
the project. This also makes the family more flexible.
1. Remain in the Shelving Unit Family file.
CATCH UP! You can open the file completed to this point named: 303 Shelving Unit_F.rfa.

2. On the Project Browser, expand Families and then Generic Models. Right-click on Shelf w
Brackets and choose: Edit.
3. Select the shelf extrusion solid form. On the Properties palette, click the small Associate
Family Parameter button in the right column next to Material.
4. In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, click Add Parameter. Name it: Shelf Material
accept the other defaults and click OK twice.
For this example, we will only edit the shelf material. See the note below if you wish to also edit the
material of the brackets.
5. Click the Load into Project and Close button.
6. Choose the Shelving Unit family only (not the sandbox). (Saving the file when prompted is
optional).
7. Overwrite the existing version when prompted.
We must remember that the Shelf w Brackets family is nested inside the Shelving Unit family. In order to
access this new Material parameter, we have to create a matching parameter in the host family and link
it up with the nested one.
8. On the Project Browser, expand Shelf w Brackets to reveal the two types. Right-click the
48"x16" type and choose: Type Properties.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

9. In the Type Properties

dialog, click the small
Associate Family
Parameter button to the
right of Shelf Material and
repeat the steps above to
create a new parameter in
the host file. You can name
it: Shelf Material again
(See Figure 40). Figure 40

When finished, the equal (=) sign will appear to indicate the connection.
10. Edit the properties of the other type. Link up the Shelf Material parameter you just created
to this one as well. (You do not need to make a new parameter this time).
11. Save the family, load it into the Sandbox and overwrite the original.
12. Open a 3D view, select the Shelving Unit and on the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
You can now choose a material for the shelves.
To assign materials to other parts of the family like the support wall, the base shelf or the brackets, you
have to repeat the process. For the Brackets, you will need to edit the nested bracket family select the
blend within that nested family and repeat the steps here to add the material parameter. However, you
will need to link it to host parameters in both the Shelf w Brackets family and the Shelving Unit family.
Go ahead and performs these steps if you like.
A version of the Family with Materials assigned to all pieces is included with the lab dataset:
303 Shelving Unit_G.rfa.

Family Editor 401

Bonus Material Formulas

One of the most powerful features of the family editor is the ability to use mathematical formulas to
drive parameters in the Family Types dialog. Formulas can be simple arithmetic expressions that create
a direct relationship between one or more parameters or complex conditional and trigonometry
statements that trap errors and create robust relationships. In many ways, using formulas in the family
editor can be considered the deep end of the pool. Therefore, in keeping with the courses goal of
being an introduction to the family editor, I am presenting a few fairly straightforward examples here
just to give you some idea of the possibilities.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Covering the topic of formulas in-depth would require an entire class or likely several
classes to do it justice. (If you would like to learn more, check out my AU class
recorded from the conference in 2015: AS10644 Taming Parametric Curves in Revit
Family Editor. It is posted online here:
http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/2015/revit-for-
architects/as10644

1. Keep the Sandbox file open and minimized and close other files.
2. To try some of these ideas, a version of the Box file has been provided. It is called:
401 Box_A.rfa.

Simple Arithmetic
To use a formula in a family, you need to know the proper syntax and where to input it. The syntax is covered
adequately in the help. Simply search for formulas and you will find the information required. To input a
formula, open the Family Types dialog and type the formula into the field at the right of the parameter.

Figure 41

Arithmetic formulas include simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

3. In the Family Types dialog, next to the Width parameter, type: Depth * 2 in the Formula
column.
(Formulas are case sensitive, so be sure to type: Depth and not: depth see Figure 41).
A formula like this will work both ways. For example, if you type: 4'-0" for the Width, the Depth
becomes: 2'-0". If you type: 5'-0" for the Depth, then the Width becomes: 10'-0". Try it out.
You try other options as well. The figure shows an example to make a cube. Try others.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Medium Complexity Expressions

More robust formulas are also possible. Lets do a couple more.
1. Close the box and open the file named 401 Shelving Unit_H.rfa.
This is a copy of our Shelving Unit family with a few parameters added. Bottom Shelf Height sets the
height of the first shelf in the array and is measured from the floor Level. Top Shelf Offset sets the
distance below the Top reference plane for the topmost shelf. These give a little more control over the
location of the shelving array both at the top and bottom (see Figure 42).

Figure 42

Using formulas, we can set the quantity of shelves in a few ways. One very common approach is to create
a conditional statement that prevents the array from failing if someone inputs a bad value. In the case of a
linear array, we need at least two items, so a bad value is less than: 2. To create such a formula, open
Family Types, and create a new parameter of the type: Integer. In the formula column input:
if (Number of Shelves < 2, 2, Number of Shelves)
This is how it works. There are three parts; the if condition which in this case tests if the Number of
Shelves parameter is less than 2. Next comes the value to be used if the test returns true, and the last
part is the value to use if the test returns false. Read it like this and it makes more sense: if the Number
of Shelves is less than 2, then use a value of 2. Otherwise just use the Number of Shelves as is. Go ahead
and input this formula and flex if you like.

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 43

To use this new parameter, assign it to the array dimensions in the family in place of Number of Shelves
(see Figure 43).
There is another way to ensure not only valid array input, but end up with a logical quantity of shelves.
We can use math.
1. In the formula field next to Number of Shelves, input the formula shown in Figure 44:
roundup((Height - Bottom Shelf Height - Top Shelf Offset) / 1' 6")

Figure 44

You will recall from High School math, that in mathematical formulas, parenthesis keep things organized
and tell you which part of the formula to process first (order of operations I believe they called it) So
lets start with the innermost parenthesis:
Height - Bottom Shelf Height - Top Shelf Offset
This is just more arithmetic. Simply subtract both Bottom Shelf Height and Top Shelf Offset from the
Height parameter (remember that the parameter names are case sensitive). Assuming a 7' Height, 2'
Bottom Shelf Height and 6" Top Shelf Offset, that is 7 2 .5 or: 4'-6".
Next, this result is divided by the distance we want between shelves or: 1'-6" in this example. You can
make this distance anything you like. Now, since 4'-6" divided by 1'-6" is exactly 3, it works out very
nicely. But what if you change any of the dimensions. For example, make the Top Shelf Offset: 1' instead
of 6"? In that case, because the Number of Shelves parameter is an Integer, you would end up with a

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

value of 2. So the Roundup function effectively makes the 1'-6" value in the formula a maximum value
or not to exceed.
SAMPLE FILE! You can open a file that includes the following ideas named: 401 Shelving_Unit_I.rfa.

Family Editor 402

Bonus Material Global Parameters

At this point it would be possible to create another family and nest the overall shelving unit into it and
make parameters to control the sizes and quantities of the units. As an alternative, we can do some of
the same things directly in the project with global parameters!
1. Load the final shelving unit 401 Shelving_Unit_I.rfa into the project and place an instance.
2. Select the shelving unit and then on the Properties palette, click the small Associate Global
Parameter icon next to the Width parameter.
3. Click the Add Parameter button and create a new parameter called: Shelf Width
(see Figure 45).

Figure 45

4. Array the shelving unit. Be sure Group and Associate it selected and keep the quantity at: 2.
5. Add a dimension between the two resulting array group elements.
6. Select the dimension and just like in the family editor, the Label dropdown will appear on
the ribbon. Click the Create Parameter icon.
7. Name the parameter: Distance Between Units and then click OK (see Figure 46).

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 Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Figure 46

Now we can use the Global Parameters dialog to link these two global parameters together.
8. On the Manage tab of the ribbon, click the Global Parameters button.
9. In the Formula field next to Distance Between Units, type: Shelf Width (Case sensitive).

Figure 47

10. Click OK to finish (see Figure 47).

Your shelving units should now be flush to one another. Furthermore, you can now flex the Shelf Width (in
the Global Parameters dialog) or adjust the quantity of arrayed elements (direclty onscreen) and the
shelving units will all flex together and remain flush to one another. This is just a simple global parameters
example. But hopefully it is enough to give you some idea of the potential of this powerful feature.
If you want to see more global parameters examples, check out the handout and datasets for the class I
taught at Revit Technology Conference (RTC) this past July. You can download it here:
http://paulaubin.com/au/#globalparam

Family Editor 501

What now?

Well, that is all we have time for. (Probably more than we have time for). There are so many ways to enhance
even this simple family. Consider adding more parameters and formulas to control shelf placement, offsets,
add end panels, etc. You can add more geometry to refine the design add moldings, different kinds of
shelves, etc. You can add more family types with additional variations. The skys the limit. Feel free to send
me a screen shot or finished family file of what you come up with. Id love to see your progress.

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Please feel free to experiment further. Thank you for attending, and please fill out your evaluation!

Further Study
You can find more information and tutorials in:
Renaissance Revit: Creating Classical Architecture with Modern Software. This
book can be thought of as a deep dive into the family editor. It starts with
the basics, but gets very advanced as well. The entire book is on family creation
using classical architectural examples. Both the traditional and massing family
editors are covered.

The Aubin Academy Revit Architecture: 2016 and

beyond. Chapter 11 is devoted to the subject of
the family editor. (A PDF update for 2017 is
available for download at my website).

The Aubin Academy Master Series: Revit MEP. Chapters 12 and 13 are
devoted to the subject of the family editor.
Other Autodesk University courses: I have taught this family editor lab before in previous years here at
AU. I have also taught an advanced follow-up lab. Both class have papers and materials available for
download from my website: www.paulaubin.com/au

If you prefer video training, I have several Revit video courses at: www.lynda.com/paulaubin. Check
out: Revit Essential Training, Revit Family Editor, Revit Family Curves and Formulas and Revit Advanced
Modeling.
If you have any questions about this session or Revit in general, you can use the contact
form at www.paulaubin.com to send me an email.
Follow me on Twitter: @paulfaubin

Thank you for attending. Please fill out your evaluation.

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