Creating Revit Windows Family 01

Preparation:
Before working on the Revit Windows Family, gather as much information as possible about the windows you are trying to build. The following information will help streamline the Windows family creation process:

1. Type of Windows Frame: Vinyl, Hollow Metal, Aluminum.
2. Generic Windows Head, Jamb, and Sill detail DWG files.
3. List of Window Scheduling Parameters.
4. (Optional) Windows Manufacturer information.

This guide is formatted based on the above list and will show how the information is leveraged to create the Windows family.

There are three stages in Revit Family creation:

1. Sketching:
   • In this stage, the author lays out all required parameters, family behavior, hand-drawn sketches, rigging plans, and gathers information on details.
2. Rigging
   • In this stage, the author lays out all required reference planes, adds parameters, and applies the parameters to the reference planes to set up the foundation of the Windows Family.
3. Detailing
   • In this stage, the author starts placing 3D objects, adds details to the Windows family, and applies visibility parameters to control the detail level presentation.

Planning:
Before you start creating the family, make sure to gather all necessary information about the windows you will be creating. The following is what I used to prepare for this guide:

Window Type:

• Using Vinyl Window
• Casement Type

Window Manufacturer: Milgard

 I found Windows Head, Jamb, and Sill detail drawings from a web search (V400 Tuscany Series Casement Windows | Milgard). 

Windows Scheduling Parameters:

• Width
• Height
• Rough Width: 0.25” from each side of Width
  • Formula: Rough Width = Width + 0.5”
• Rought Height: 0.5” from Height
  • Formula: Rough Height = Height + 0.5”

Windows Scheduling Shared Parameters:

W_Frame_Offset: Offset from the exterior wall to control window position.

Creating Windows Family Process
Sketching:

1. Determine required parameters and create shared parameters.        

   Parameters	Descriptions
   Width	This is the family’s default built-in parameter that will control the width of the window.
   Height	This is the family’s default built-in parameter that will control the width of the window.
   Rough Width	This is the family’s default built-in parameter that will be formulated and used as reporting schedule of rough width.
   Rough Height	This is the family’s default built-in parameter that will be formulated and used as reporting schedule of rough height.
   W_Frame_Offset	This is a shared parameter that will control the offset of the window from the exterior of the wall.
   Default Sill Height	This is the family’s default built-in parameter that will control the sill height of the window.
   Mark	This is the family’s default instance built-in parameter that will be used as a door tag.
   Comment	This is the family’s default instance built-in parameter that will be used as a door tag.
   Finish	This is the family’s default instance built-in parameter that will be used in the door schedule.
   Glazing Type	This is the family’s default instance built-in parameter that will be used in the door schedule.
   Material	This is the family’s default instance built-in parameter that will be used in the door schedule.

2.  Collect the detailed resources. The guide references Milgard casement windows. I downloaded details from the Milgard official website.
3. Clean up and simplify the details so that Revit can interpret the lines. Revit cannot draw lines smaller than 1/64”, so make sure to clean up any line less than 1/64”.  
4.  Sketch out the rigging layout of parameters.                                      
5. Once you have gathered all necessary files and lists, open Revit to build the family.

About the Author

Sr Technical Support Specialist<br><br> Skilled in AutoCAD, Mixed-use, Renovation, Revit, and Sustainable Design. Strong arts and design professional with a BA in Urban design focused in Architecture from University of Washington.

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