Forums >> Community >> Newbies >> Help with Families - Transition from AutoCAD

PSALabTech

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Joined: Sat, Jun 29, 2013
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Good Afternoon –

I am experienced in AutoCAD and have used the program to create models and Architectural drawings for more than 10 years. I design commercial laboratories and sell all of the furnishings, fixtures, tops, etc. – effectively building very complex kitchens with various special components.

I currently have a complete set of AutoCAD Blocks for the materials we use and understand I will need to create families in Revit. I made so many mistakes creating the 3D models in AutoCAD due to my lack of understanding at the time. As I learned I was able to create excellent blocks with various properties.

I want to avoid to the degree possible the mistakes made in AutoCAD blocks while creating the Families. I am hoping an experienced user can point me in the right direction and give me some guidance. I am looking for help as follows:

Base Cabinets: Our base cabinets are constructed of a modular frame and various door and drawer heads along with a pull. My manufacturer will paint cabinets as a single color or as a two tone color – frames to be color A; door/drawer heads to be color B. How can I separate the door and drawer heads from the cabinet frames to permit application of different materials to the two (2) components (Frames vs. Door/Drawer Heads)

Pulls: The cabinet pulls are recessed aluminum and are identical regardless of placement on the base cabinet. I would need these to be a third available material to closely represent the actual product.

Fixtures: My AutoCAD model blocks include all of our fixtures – faucets, gas, air, water, vacuum, et al. These were very time consuming to create. Is it possible to import these files into Revit? If so, any problems of concern to note?

If this is possible I could simply import my AutoCAD Model library, but am thinking of starting from scratch unless I can gain an insight into how to separate the frames from the door/drawer units for materials purposes. I understand this may depend upon how the AutoCAD blocks were created.

Any help from the group brain is greatly appreciated. I am learning Revit quickly and really love the program. Once I’ve gotten very comfortable with the software it should save me hundreds of hours a year. I can see a 4 fold increase in productivity.

I appreciate the insights everyone.

Sincerely,

Michael Bishop

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WWHub

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Joined: Tue, May 16, 2006
13079 Posts

You need to make a clean break from CAD and the sooner the better. 

Download the "Families Guide" from the AutoDESK website and learn first how to build families.

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rbcameron2

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Joined: Sun, Oct 19, 2008
101 Posts

The only real main difference I've found between the two is functionality.  Similar to you, my background 15 years ago was CAD but in the past 7 years of Revit, building families is something that becomes faster and faster when you remember all the "Steps".  Yes, Autodesk has their own standard on how to build families too.  Good link WW.

My key steps to remember are (in no particular order):

1) Visibility Settings  

2) Allowing enough detail to convey the object (render quality is only a bonus)  

3) Accurate real-world dimensions  ( including MEP connections)

4) Schedulable (drag and drop)

5) Materials

6) Parameters (this could mean anything from nested families, to having toggles for different objects)

These aren't my only key steps, but for the most part to get something right, it helps to get those basics in.  You can view some of my examples on the link below my name.  Good luck!  Beginning Revit is the first step to getting on the right track!  Whoo! Whoo!

Edited on: Mon, Jul 1, 2013 at 11:46:51 AM

-----------------------------------

RB Cameron

3D Medical Equipment

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