1. Standardised Structure

Naming a Revit Family is not as simple as calling it a ‘two-seater sofa’. If you intend to publish your files, they need to follow the same structure as other available content.

Within the UK, NBS has recognised the need for consistency and produced an in-depth document of standards. Which you can see here

Within one BIM Family, multiple types can be created. For example, three desk types could be named ODW1208A, ODW1408A and ODW1608A or 1200mm, 1400mm and 1600mm within a desk family. Selecting the right naming structure for each file is important for ease of use. If a designer is unfamiliar with a product, it would be difficult and slow to choose from a list of product codes. Remember, the chances of your audience knowing the product as well as you do is rare. Therefore you want to make it as easy as you can for them.

2. Clever modelling

All Revit Families must be natively modelled within Revit. Imported DWG files are a big no go!

DWG’s increase the file size and prevent parametric formulas from working. Parametric dimensions should be used rather than creating, for example, 5 separate files of the same desk that slight differences in sizes. Parametric families will reduce the number of files being loaded into a project and increase the speed of space planning, and make it easier to make amendments.

Go one step further and take advantage of Revit’s functions to create clever formulas and parametric options such as:

• Either/or visibility: If the user ticks one box, the other box will turn off, and vice versa.
• Dropdown item options: If there are more than 2 options, create a drop-down list for the user to select from.

Be creative, think about how the end-user will use the model and make their job easier!

3. Simple and functional

A sofa does not come in one finish. The Seat, Back and Arms can be different.

Create material parameters that are labelled and assigned to the appropriate section of the furniture. Create some example materials using Autodesk materials library, alter these to best match the actual products finish.

We recommend you not use images from your own library as the path will be lost, and the product will lose its material (unless you are sending these material images alongside the Revit Family).

When modelling furniture, it can be easy to begin to over complicate the shape. We do want a good visual representation. However, with each additional extrusion, sweep or revolve, the file size is increasing. If you are unsure whether your Revit Families are too big, a good guide is to keep the file size below 5MB.

4. Use the right data

No matter what object you are modelling, whether it be a chair or a light, certain information fields need to be included, alongside the NBS requirements highlighted in point 1.

BuildingSmart is an international platform the promotes ‘OpenBIM’. OpenBIM is a universal approach to the collaborative design, realisation and operation of buildings based on open standards and workflows and is not solely used within Revit Software.

Revit Families need to be enriched with shared parametric data; a reliable resource can be found here. If your Family Types editor is looking sparse, it is likely missing key information.

5. Keep it clean!

Once you have finished modelling and entering sufficient data, give your file a good clean! Purge any unnecessary items, hide any reference planes or dimensions and use a spell checker.