NAMING COMPONENT FILES

NAMING FAMILY (COMPONENT) FILES

Introduction

Family objects are Revit components that exist as separate files, for example Doors, Windows, Furniture. This means their names must be valid file names.

Where to Put New & Edited Family Files

Family files off the internet or elsewhere must be edited and cleaned up.

Initially place them in the External Libraries/!downloads folder.

After editing them (change units to metric, purge, add sub-categories, and material & visibility parameters, refer to Creating Families manual), save them in the relevant category folder in the Unapproved library using the name format described here. Delete the original file.

General Naming Rules

Family objects should generally follow these rules:

• • Put most important information to the left, with importance diminishing towards the right.

  • Make sure all of the same type of object are named the same, (e.g. use WC, not Toilet or Suite.)

  • Don't duplicate category names in Type field (e.g. Door, Window).

  • Be literal – the name should be understandable by anyone.

  • Keep brief, leave fields out rather than include with irrelevant or obvious information.

  • When describing sizes, always do it in the order of WIDTH then HEIGHT.

  • Put sizes last in descriptions so same types list together in size order. Don't include units if in millimeters.

  • Avoid spaces. Use CamelCase (capitalized words without space between words) within a field instead.

General Family File Name Format

Where:

For example:

Detail Level

Hosting Codes

Revit Category Prefixes

Note that some family file names do not match the folder they live in. For example some doors are Generic Model category (GM) so that they are not included in door schedules (e.g. openings).

Office Standard Library Codes

Create codes as needed for manufacturer’s libraries so the code is unique and maximum 3 characters long. If you create your own family objects create a 3 letter acronym using your name, and save the files in the User Library folder.

Nested Family Names

Family objects can exist inside other family objects. This occurs when the same object may appear in many different Family objects (e.g. a flush panel door), or when something needs to be arrayed. Refer to Family Creation Guidelines manual.

Place family object designed to be nested in:

K:\Revit

+- ...Library

+- Parts

Prefix all family object designed to be nested with a plus symbol (+).

For example: