Revit families

Recreate a component from photographs, a PDF, a specification sheet or screenshots, then develop it into a Revit family. This example uses a window, but the same approach can guide furniture, doors, façade components and other objects. Start by developing a detailed IFC model in stages. Once you are satisfied with its geometry, ask Ideatura to recreate it as a Revit family and add the parameters you need.

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1. Provide your references

Start a new chat and attach your own reference files. Explain what the component is, which features matter and how you intend to use it. Include a known dimension or a dimensioned drawing where possible. Photographs help explain appearance, but may leave dimensions, hidden parts and construction details uncertain.

Recreate the window shown in these references as a detailed 3D IFC model. First review the files, identify its main components and tell me which dimensions or details are missing. Separate information shown in the references from assumptions.

The reference below gives the window’s overall size and bay arrangement, with plan, section and 3D views showing the glazing and perforated timber panel. Explain features that an image alone could be misread: this is a continuous panel with openings, not separate slats.

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2. Agree on the modelling stages

Select Opus 5.5 and ask Ideatura to divide the work into stages so you can review the design before more detail is added. For a window, these could be:

1. Overall proportions, frame and opening arrangement.
2. Frame profiles, glazing and opening elements.
3. Visible fittings, seals, finishes and other relevant details.

Choose a level of detail that suits the purpose. A component used in general arrangement drawings may need less detail than one used for close-up visualisation.

Propose a staged modelling plan. Start with the overall form and main components, then stop for my feedback. Add smaller details only after I approve the proportions.

This first IFC established the overall proportions, but interpreted the timber as separate slats. Catch that kind of difference before treating the model as an accepted reference.

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3. Review and refine the IFC

Inspect each stage against your references. Check proportions, dimensions, component relationships and details from more than one viewpoint. Give specific feedback and state what should remain unchanged.

The timber part is a continuous perforated panel. Replace the separate slats with a panel containing rounded openings, following the reference. Keep the frame, glazing and overall dimensions unchanged. Show me the panel close up and from an angle.

Continue until the IFC represents the component you want. Review the actual 3D model as well as any rendered images: an attractive render does not establish that the geometry is correct.

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4. Create the Revit family

Once the IFC is accepted, ask Ideatura to use it and the original references to create a Revit family. Explain how the component should behave in your project. For a window, that includes whether it should be hosted in a wall and create an opening. For another object, specify its appropriate category and placement behaviour.

Use the approved IFC and these references to create a Revit window family. Make it wall-hosted with an opening, suitable materials and clear plan, elevation and section representations. Explain what needs rebuilding or simplifying for Revit.

Review the proposed approach before proceeding. IFC geometry provides a reference, but creating a usable family may require rebuilding parts with native Revit geometry.

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5. Add useful parameters

Ask for the dimensions and options you actually need to change. Start with a few controls and test them before adding more. For a window, useful parameters might include width, height, frame depth and materials. For furniture, they could include overall dimensions, finishes and optional components.

Make the family’s width, height and frame depth adjustable, and expose the main materials as parameters. Keep the parts aligned when dimensions change. Explain which controls should be type parameters and which should be instance parameters.

The controls below separate 1 materials from 2 dimensions. Rough width and height follow the main width and height. Parametric behaviour needs to be designed and tested; converting geometry into a family does not automatically make it parametric. In this example, width and height were tested at 2000 × 2000, 1800 × 1500 and 2400 × 2100 mm. Frame depth was also tested at 100 and 160 mm. This version keeps 48 panel openings, so their spacing changes with height. Check that the geometry moves with the values, rather than accepting a parameter name as proof that it works.

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6. Test it in your project

Load the family into a test project and check its placement, appearance and behaviour. For the window example, inspect the wall opening, orientation, materials and representation in plan, elevation, section and 3D. Change the main parameters through representative sizes and look for broken constraints, gaps or distorted parts.

Test this family at several representative sizes. Check that the frame, glazing and wall opening remain coordinated. Report any limits or combinations that need correction.

Save the checked family with a clear name and description of its intended use and adjustable controls. The test project below places three sizes in separate walls. Compare the panel, glazing and opening as the width and height change.