Build any Revit Family-Content creation for all skill levels from Udemy

Autodesk Revit is one of the most commonly used Building Information Modelling platforms in the design and construction industry. At the heart of Revit's functions are the components which make up the design. In Revit, these are termed as 'Families'.

In this course, I'll be sharing my best practice concepts and principles which can be applied to the creation of almost any type of Revit Family. During the course, I'll teach you the range of family types available, to ensure you make strategic template planning decisions before you start modelling.

We'll take a look at various additive and subtractive modelling techniques for both static and parametric families. You'll also learn about the various tools available to use when sketching out your component in the Family editor, as well as methods for testing and quality checking before use in a project.

We'll explore how materials can be applied to families; considering parameters, shading, fill patterns, assets and textures.

You'll discover the pros and cons of 'nested' and 'shared nested' families, how to drive families with calculations using formulas, as well as how and when to use type catalogues to complement your families.

The course is hands-on, meaning you'll be expected to have Autodesk Revit installed so you can follow the exercise steps alongside the tutor.

A basic working knowledge of the Autodesk Revit interface is recommended, but no prior knowledge of the Revit Family Editor or Family Creation is required.

The course is intended for novice or intermediate Revit modellers who have little or no prior knowledge of Revit Family creation. For those with an intermediate level of knowledge, the course should provide you with some best practice workflows along with some tips and tricks along the way to enhance your productivity.

If all that sounds good, then it's time to get started with some Family creation using Autodesk Revit.

What's inside

Learning objectives

This course covers everything you need to know to get started with revit family creation
Plan and evaluate parametric component creation in revit
Determine the most appropriate category and hosting choice
Build non-parametric (static) families
Build parametric families

Demonstrate modelling efficiencies through the use of nesting
Apply formulas to parameter driven families
Understand and use all shared parameter features appropriately
Evaluate and test newly created families before use in a project
Create and edit type catalogues to support multiple family types.

This course covers everything you need to know to get started with revit family creation
Plan and evaluate parametric component creation in revit
Determine the most appropriate category and hosting choice
Build non-parametric (static) families
Build parametric families
Demonstrate modelling efficiencies through the use of nesting
Apply formulas to parameter driven families
Understand and use all shared parameter features appropriately
Evaluate and test newly created families before use in a project
Create and edit type catalogues to support multiple family types.

Syllabus

Introduction

Course Overview

This video explains how to use the exercise files which accompany the course.

Download and unzip the resources to your local hard drive, ready to use throughout the course.

Deligates will be able to prepare the Family creation environment and understand some of the configuration options available.

Interface Overview

Settings & file paths

Interface & Settings

In this lesson you learn about the various file types, template options and their associated pitfalls which lead you to a more informed decision on the best starting point for the creation of families

File Types

Categories & Subcategories

Opening Tool

Cuttable Families

Template & File Types

This lesson uses a single dataset for all topics.

Level-based families

2-Level families

Roof hosted families

Face-based families

Wall hosted families

Floor hosted families

Ceiling hosted families

Site hosted families

3D Line-based families

2D Line-based families

Symbol families

Hosting

Solids, Voids & Workplanes

Reference Planes and Reference Lines

Additive and Subtractive Modelling

Working with Extrusions

Working with Linear Sweeps

Working with Revolves

Working with Blends

Void Extrusion Methods

Working with 3D Sweeps

Parametric Modelling

Parametric Framework

Adding Framework Parameters

Flexing the model

Constraining linear geometry

Constraining radial geometry

Symbolic Linework

Defining Family Types

Save Options & Thumbnail Views

Materials & Appearance

Material editor overview

Creating and editing materials

Applying materials to geometry

Assigning material parameters

Transferring Materials from projects

Nesting & Shared Families

Nesting principles

Loading & placing nested Families

Loading assemblies into projects

Enabling shared Families

Updating shared Families

Associating Parameters

Parametric locking & aligning

Associating parameters & flexing

Formula driven parameters

Type Catalogues

Type Catalogues overview

Creating a Type Catalogue

Importing TXT files into Excel

Editing data in Excel

Converting Excel back to TXT

Loading Files With Type Catalogues

During this section you will learn about the features of Tag Families in Autodesk Revit.

Tags overview

Multi-Category Tags

Tag by Category

Material Tags

Tags

During this section of the course, you'll discover everything you need to know about shared parameters, allowing you to customise and extend the Revit database with your own parameters.

Built-in parameters

Family parameters

Project parameters

Understanding the shared parameter file

Shared parameters in Families

Shared parameters in tags

Shared parameters in multi-category tags

Understanding the GUID

Correcting duplicate parameters

Visible or hidden parameters

User Modifiable

Shared Parameters

Checking & Testing Families

Family Testing Template

Testing Families

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers a range of family types, which allows for strategic template planning decisions before modeling

Explores the pros and cons of nested and shared nested families, which can improve efficiency and organization in complex projects

Teaches techniques for testing and quality checking families, which helps ensure accuracy and reliability in projects

Requires Autodesk Revit to be installed, which may pose a barrier to entry for some learners without access to the software

Assumes a basic working knowledge of the Autodesk Revit interface, which may require novice users to acquire prerequisite knowledge

Includes instruction on creating and editing type catalogues, which is useful for managing multiple family types within a project

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build any Revit Family-Content creation for all skill levels with these activities:

Review Revit Interface Basics

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Familiarize yourself with the Revit interface to navigate the software efficiently during the course.

Show steps

Open Revit and explore the ribbon, quick access toolbar, and project browser.
Practice opening and saving Revit projects.
Review the different views available in Revit (e.g., plan, elevation, 3D).

Mastering Autodesk Revit

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Deepen your understanding of Revit's capabilities and best practices for family creation.

View Mastering Autodesk Revit 2020 on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to family creation and parametric modeling.
Try out the examples and exercises provided in the book.
Compare the book's approach to the methods taught in the course.

Create a Simple Parametric Table Family

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Apply the concepts learned in the course by building a practical Revit family with parametric controls.

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Define the parameters for the table (e.g., length, width, height, material).
Create the table geometry using extrusions and reference planes.
Constrain the geometry to the parameters.
Test the family by changing the parameter values.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Document Your Family Creation Process

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Reinforce your learning by creating a written guide or video tutorial on a specific family creation technique.

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Choose a specific family creation technique (e.g., using sweeps, voids, or formulas).
Document the steps involved in the process.
Create screenshots or a video recording to illustrate the steps.
Share your documentation with other students for feedback.

Practice Parametric Constraints

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Sharpen your skills in parametric modeling by completing a series of exercises focused on constraints and formulas.

Show steps

Create a series of simple families with increasing complexity.
Focus on using different types of constraints (e.g., linear, angular, radial).
Experiment with formulas to drive parameter values.

Autodesk Revit 2023 Black Book

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Expand your knowledge of Revit with a comprehensive guide covering advanced techniques and workflows.

View Autodesk Revit 2024 Black Book on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters related to advanced family creation techniques.
Explore the examples and case studies provided in the book.
Apply the book's techniques to your own family creation projects.

Contribute to a Revit Family Library

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Enhance your skills and contribute to the Revit community by creating and sharing families in an open-source library.

Show steps

Find an open-source Revit family library project.
Identify a need for a specific type of family.
Create the family according to the project's standards.
Submit your family to the project for review.

Career center

Learners who complete Build any Revit Family-Content creation for all skill levels will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Revit Content Creator

A Revit Content Creator specializes in developing and maintaining Revit Families and templates. This course helps a Revit Content Creator by providing in-depth training in all facets of family creation, from planning and evaluation to testing and quality checking. The course’s coverage of parametric modeling, nesting, shared parameters, type catalogs, and material application provides the necessary understanding in this role. The course’s emphasis on best practice workflows gives a Revit Content Creator the skills to design efficient, high-quality Revit content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Revit Content Creator

BIM Modeler

A BIM Modeler creates and manages Building Information Models, using software like Autodesk Revit. This course, which focuses on creating Revit Families, is highly relevant to this role, since Families form the core components of any Revit model. The course covers the range of family types, and the modeling techniques required for both static and parametric families. It will give a BIM Modeler expertise in creating high quality Revit content. The course also emphasizes testing and quality checking, crucial for accurate modeling. A BIM Modeler would find the sections on material application, nested families, formulas, and type catalogs especially useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for BIM Modeler

Architectural Technologist

An Architectural Technologist works on the technical aspects of building design and construction, often using BIM software such as Revit. This course directly helps an Architectural Technologist learn how to create custom Revit Families for various components used in building design. Parametric modeling, material application, and family nesting from the course will enhance design capabilities. This technologist will be able to leverage custom Revit families to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, and constructability. The focus of this course provides a comprehensive method for producing efficient and reliable components that are critical in any building project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Technologist

Drafting Technician

A Drafting Technician prepares technical drawings and plans, and often uses BIM software like Revit. This course gives a Drafting Technician essential skills in creating and managing Revit Families, which are fundamental components of any Revit model. The course covers the range of family types, modeling techniques, material application, and quality checking. A drafting technician can use the skills in this course to efficiently produce highly accurate and detailed technical drawings within a BIM environment, along with the underlying components. This course will greatly enhance the precision of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drafting Technician

MEP Designer

A Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Designer uses BIM software like Revit to design building systems. This course helps an MEP Designer by providing a strong foundation in creating custom Revit Families for MEP components, such as ducts, pipes, and electrical fixtures. The course covers parametric modeling, which is vital for creating adaptable MEP components. It also explains how to use formulas and type catalogs. An MEP Designer will learn techniques for effective family creation and testing, which ensures that designs are accurate and well-documented. This knowledge enhances the accuracy of overall building systems design.

See salaries and explore the career path for MEP Designer

Architectural Designer

An Architectural Designer develops architectural plans and designs, and often uses BIM software like Revit. This course helps an Architectural Designer learn how to create custom Revit Families, which are essential for detailed and precise designs. The course's focus on parametric modeling, nesting, and material application is all directly applicable to this role. The course also emphasizes parametric control and type catalogs, which allows an architectural designer to create flexible and reusable building components. An Architectural Designer can learn how to produce complex and highly detailed families.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Designer

Interior designer

An Interior Designer plans and designs the interior spaces of buildings, often using BIM software for planning and visualization. This course helps an Interior Designer by enabling the creation of custom Revit Families for furniture, fixtures, and interior elements. The course's focus on parametric modeling, materials, and nested families, is directly relevant to developing flexible and detailed interior components. An interior designer will find the ability to use formulas to drive parameters and create type catalogs to be particularly advantageous, allowing for efficient design customization. This course will help with the creation of complex and realistic interior models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs the structural framework of buildings and other structures, and often uses BIM software like Revit. This course helps a Structural Engineer learn how to create custom Revit Families, focusing on developing structural components like beams, columns, and connections. The course's in-depth coverage of parametric modeling, formulas, and material properties greatly benefits those in this role, allowing for the creation of accurate and adaptable structural elements. A structural engineer will be able to efficiently model complex structural components, thanks to the techniques covered in the course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

Design Engineer

A Design Engineer uses BIM software to model and design various components, and this course will help one build a strong foundation in creating complex parametric families. This course focuses on parametric modeling, formulas, type catalogs, and quality checking, allowing a design engineer to create sophisticated and adaptable designs. The course helps a design engineer create high quality and well-organized components. With the skills taught in this course, a design engineer will be able to design more efficiently and effectively, thereby raising their value in a team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Engineer

BIM Coordinator

A BIM Coordinator is responsible for managing the BIM process on construction projects. This course may be useful for a BIM Coordinator, since the course provides a comprehensive understanding of Revit Families. This course will help one understand the intricacies of family creation. The course’s syllabus, from planning and evaluation to the testing of newly created families, aligns directly with the tasks of effective BIM management. As a BIM Coordinator, learning the processes behind creating high-quality families will help one improve workflows and maintain project standards. This course will give a nuanced understanding that will help with project management and improve team collaboration.

See salaries and explore the career path for BIM Coordinator

Construction Project Manager

A Construction Project Manager uses BIM models to plan, coordinate, and manage construction projects. This course enhances the understanding of Revit Families, allowing a construction project manager to better comprehend the components within a BIM model. By understanding the intricacies of family creation, this project manager can appreciate the precision and effort that goes into producing a high-quality BIM model. This project manager may find particularly valuable the course’s emphasis on the various modeling techniques and how families are tested for use in a project. This greater understanding allows for better planning and coordination.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Project Manager

Digital Fabrication Specialist

A Digital Fabrication Specialist uses digital tools and processes for constructing building components, and this course can be useful for developing parametric families. This specialist may be interested in the course's focus on a range of family types, modeling techniques, and the use of parameters. The techniques in this course can help the specialist to create flexible and adaptable digital models for fabrication. The course will enhance skills in creating precise and complex digital models, which are needed in fabrication using computer aided methods. The course will help integrate digital design with manufacturing processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Fabrication Specialist

Landscape Architect

A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces, often using BIM to integrate landscape design with building design. This course can be useful for a landscape architect by enabling them to create custom Revit Families for landscape elements such as trees, site furniture, and hardscape features. The course's focus on parametric modeling, material application, and nesting helps create detailed and flexible landscape components. The landscape architect can leverage the course's learning on type catalogs and formulas to create variations of families and better manage design options for an outdoor space. This course helps deliver more realistic and detailed landscape plans.

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Facilities Manager

A Facilities Manager oversees the maintenance and operation of buildings, and might use BIM models for facility management. This course may help a Facilities Manager who wishes to develop a deeper understanding of the components within a building’s BIM model by understanding Revit families. The course provides insights into how building components are created and structured, which can be useful during facility planning, retrofit, and management. While the focus is on creation rather than use, the course may provide a more intimate understanding of the underlying structure of a BIM model. This can help improve facility management and space planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner works on the development and planning of cities and communities, and occasionally uses BIM. This course may be useful to an Urban Planner by providing a better understanding of how building components are modeled within a BIM environment, since it covers a basic functionality of Revit. The course’s focus on family creation can help the urban planner better understand the components within city plans. This can help an urban planner with analysis, planning, and visualization tasks. The focus of the course is creation, and not the actual use of BIM, but still this course may help gain a greater understanding of how buildings are digitally represented.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Build any Revit Family-Content creation for all skill levels.

Mastering Autodesk Revit 2020

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to Autodesk Revit, covering a wide range of topics from basic modeling to advanced techniques. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles of Revit family creation. While not strictly required, it offers additional depth and breadth to the course material. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic settings.

Mastering Autodesk Revit 2020

Paperback

Mastering Autodesk Revit 2020

Kindle Edition

Autodesk Revit 2024 Black Book

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Comprehensive guide to Autodesk Revit 2023, covering a wide range of topics from basic modeling to advanced techniques. It includes detailed explanations of family creation, parametric modeling, and type catalogs. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is commonly used by industry professionals.

Autodesk Revit 2024 Black Book

Paperback

$$$

Build any Revit Family-Content creation for all skill levels

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Activities

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