HOW TO CREATE SIMPLE 3D FAMILY

These instructions show you how to create a simple 3D box with size parameters which you can use as a placeholder until a proper family is made.

Start with a template.

Start by selecting New under Families from the opening screen of Revit:

Browse to the standard template location:

Choose an appropriate template file.

If in doubt use Specialist Equipment (Furniture is rarely used, and even then only for loose furniture), with Dims.

Avoid hosted templates (e.g. Wall hosted, Ceiling hosted etc). If you can't find an appropriate template try the AutoDesk folder.

Now you have a new family file.

Create an extrusion that is locked to defining reference planes.

Go to the Ref Level plan view.

From Home tab, under Forms panel, choose Extrusion.

In the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, Draw panel pick the copy line button:

Select one of the reference planes, then click on the padlock symbol so it shows a closed padlock.

This will lock the sketch line to the reference plane below it.

Repeat for other reference planes.

Then select the Trim to corner (i.e. fillet) button on Modify panel.

Fillet each corner, make sure you select the part of the line you want to keep.

When done, hit the green tick button on Mode panel to finish the extrusion.

Next lock the top and bottom of the extrusion to Top and Bottom reference planes.

Go to the Front elevation view:

Under Modify tab, Modify panel select Align button:

Select the top reference plane:

Then the top of the extrusion:

And select the padlock so it locks:

Repeat for the bottom of the extrusion:

Set the 3D view.

Go to the 3D view called Preview.

Click on the Front/Right/Top corner of the view cube.

Click on the triangle to bottom right of the view cube (it won't be visible until you hover over the view cube).

Select Save View.

Set Appearance & Visibility

Still in the 3D view select the box.

In the Properties window hit the little blank button on the right side of the edit box opposite the Material parameter.

Select Material from the Associate Family Parameter dialog.

If you want the box on a particular subcategory select one from the list.

Note: DON'T create new subcategories without approval.

Next set how the box will display in different view types.

As the box is the only thing in the family you will want it to appear in all views, but you may want to untick Coarse under detail level.

Check it works.

Under Home tab, Properties panel, click on Properties button:

Change the dimensions and check the extrusion changes as well (best done in 3D view).

If it works rename the current Family Type, or create New types, as required.

Type names should describeit size: e.g. 200d x 500w x 900h

Change dimensions to suit each type.

When you are happy with your new family save it.

Under the purple R in top left corner, select Save As.

Browse to S:\Revit Libraries\Project Libraries\yourjob.

Give it a sensible name. Format is:

Category_description type, description specific type.projectnumber

Then hit Options... button:

Make sure Maximum backups is 1.

Change Preview Source to 3D View:Preview

Hit OK, the Save on Save-As dialog.

Finished!

Add more detail.

You can add linework detail to plan and elevation views by drawing Model Lines on faces of the box you just created.

Refer to ADD PLAN & ELEVATION DETAIL TO SIMPLE 3D FAMILY.