To create a custom element for use in one or more models, create a loadable family.
Elements in Revit are also referred to as families. The family contains the geometric definition of the element and the parameters used by the element. Each instance of an element is defined and controlled by the family. Loadable families are created in external RFA files and imported, or loaded, in your projects.
Plan the Family and Perform Preliminary Work
Before creating a loadable family, you must plan and make decisions about the way a family is going to behave in the model. Planning behaviors and listing the information needed for the family will help you make decisions as you create the family in the Family Editor.
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Understand the workflow used when creating a family. |
Understand the tools and terminology used in the Family Editor. |
Plan the geometry, the detail level, parameters, and behaviors needed for the family. |
Learn about family templates and how they affect the behavior of the family in model files. |
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Choose a template (RFT) that matches the needs of the new family. |
The origin of a family defines the position of the geometry when it is loaded into a model. Define the family origin at the intersection of major reference planes. |
Sketch more reference planes to establish a framework for the family. |
Define priorities for each reference plane to affect family behavior in the model and how the family can be dimensioned. |
Create Geometry and Parameters
Create geometry and parameters in the family. As you create parametric geometry, test and flex the family to eliminate constraint errors. When you test frequently, it's easier to correct errors discovered during family authoring.
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Create a 3D shape by extruding a 2D profile. |
Create a 3D shape that changes along its length, blending from a starting shape to an ending shape. |
Create a 3D shape by sweeping a 2D profile around an axis. |
Create a 3D shape by sweeping a 2D profile along a path. |
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Create a swept blend by defining 2 profiles and blending them together along a path. |
Use void forms to cut the geometry of other 3D forms in the family. |
Apply constraints to boundaries or faces of 3D forms to control the geometry with parameters. |
Learn how automatic dimensions and constraints are applied to preserve the design intent of the family. |
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Flex the parameters and constraints to ensure the parametric family geometry behaves as intended. |
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Use parameters to track information associated with the family and to control family geometry. |
Apply a parameter to a dimension in the family to control family geometry. |
Use instance parameters to store information about each instance of the family placed in the project. |
Use formulas to create relationships between parameters in a family, to calculate values, and to control family geometry. |
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Family types hold preset values for parameters in the family. Create multiple types for use when loading the family into the model. |
Advanced Family Techniques
Using advanced family techniques, you can nest geometry and build relationships between family parameters. You can also add parameters or sub-categories to control the visibility of family geometry.
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Learn how you can use nested families to bring multiple families together and use them as one family. |
Create a nested family by creating or opening a host family, and loading instances of other families into it. |
To control the scheduling and tagging behavior of a nested family when it's loaded into a project, use the Shared setting. |
Create families that feature interchangeable components. |
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To control geometry, build connections from the parameters of the host family to the parameters of the nested family. |
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Learn how to control and set the visibility of the family geometry in specific views and at different detail levels. |
Use parameters to control the visibility of each 3D form in the family. |
To control the graphics of different parts of the family geometry in project views, assign family geometry to sub-categories. |
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Use type catalogs when you do not want to load more than 6 types into a project, but instead want to specify only the types needed for your model. |
Check The Revit Clinic blog for tips to help you when creating families. |
Use reference lines to control angular relationships in families. |
Understand how to work with units in formulas. |
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Explore some examples of loadable families to better understand the process of family creation. |
MEP Families
Families used for MEP workflows have elements not used for other families. Connectors allow the families to be used in systems and connected to MEP services in the model.
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When making MEP families, place connectors in the family to allow it to be connected to different systems. |
Place a connector in a family. |
Adjust the position and direction of a connector. Correct orientation is important so MEP families can correctly connect to each other. |
Link connectors in a family to help establish a flow direction. |
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Position the primary connector to dictate connection behavior. As you build the family, you can move and swap primary connectors if needed. |
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Place light source elements in lighting families to define the behavior of the light emitted from the fixture. Associate IES files to the light source to further refine the light emittance properties. |