Customize System Types

Customize the type parameters for a system type, including graphical overrides, materials, calculations, abbreviation, and rise/drop symbols. You can customize parameters for the default system types (supply, return, and exhaust air), as well as any new system types you create.

Video: Create a Custom System Type

Edit graphical overrides

You can customize graphical overrides to control the color, line weight, and line pattern for the collection of objects assigned to a system of that type. The graphical overrides apply to the project, and are not view-specific like filters.

1. In the Project Browser, expand FamiliesDuct SystemsDuct System.
   Tip: To create a custom system type for piping, expand FamiliesPiping SystemsPiping System.
2. Right-click a system type, and click Type Properties.
3. In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Graphic Overrides, click Edit.
4. In the Line Graphics dialog, for Lines, specify Weight, Color, or Pattern. Click OK.

Graphical overrides for a system are prioritized between Phasing and Filters. Weight, color, and line pattern per system type will override the settings per category. However, a view filter always takes precedence over the settings in the system graphical overrides.

The table below summarizes the prioritization for graphical overrides.

	Object Style	V/G Category Override	System	Phase	View Filter	Instance
Instance
View Filter
Phase
System
V/G Category Override
Object Style

Edit the calculations mode for duct and piping system types

1. Use the Tab key to select the duct or pipe system that you want to modify. Alternatively, you can select a duct or pipe assigned to the system and click the Duct/Piping System tab on the ribbon.
   Note: Use the Project Browser to modify the system types as needed. Navigate to Families > Duct Systems > Duct System or Families > Pipe Systems > Pipe System, and expand the system node. Select the desired system type, right click, and click Type Properties.
2. To edit the properties of the system type, on the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
3. For Calculations for duct system types, select All, Flow Only, None, or Performance and click OK.
   • All: all system-level calculations are computed.
   • Flow Only: the Flow parameter is computed.
   • None: the Flow parameter is not computed. Revit still maintains the logical sections in the duct system.
   • Performance: the Flow parameter and system-level calculations are not computed.
     Use the Performance mode to improve Revit's performance when editing large MEP duct system networks. System propagation is disabled on every system in the project that uses the selected system type.

     Note: The Duct Sizing tools are not available for systems where the Calculations parameter is set to Performance.
4. For Calculations for pipe system types, select Volume Only, None, or Performance and click OK.
   • Volume Only: the Volume parameter is computed.
   • None: the Volume parameter is not computed. Revit still maintains the logical sections in the pipe system.
   • Performance: the Volume parameter and system-level calculations are not computed.
     Use the Performance mode to improve Revit's performance when editing large MEP pipe system networks. System propagation is disabled on every system in the project that uses the selected system type.

     Note: The Pipe Sizing tools are not available for systems where the Calculations parameter is set to Performance.
The table below lists the Calculations options that are available for each system classification.

	Calculations Setting
System Classification	All	Flow Only	Volume Only	None	Performance
Supply Air
Return Air
Exhaust Air
Domestic Cold Water
Domestic Hot Water
Hydronic Supply
Hydronic Return
Sanitary
Vent
Other
Fire Protection Wet
Fire Protection Dry
Fire Protection Pre-Action
Fire Protection Other

Edit other system parameters

You can edit the materials, calculations, abbreviation, and rise/drop symbols for a system.

1. Right-click a system type, and click Type Properties.
2. In the Type Properties dialog, do one or more of the following:
   • For Material, click Browse. In the Material Browser, select a material and click OK. See Materials for more information.
   • For Abbreviation, enter the text to be used for the system abbreviation. The system abbreviation is the prefix used in the system name.
   • For Rise/Drop Symbol, click . In the Select Symbol dialog, select a symbol and click OK.

     In pipe types, the symbol may be selected for six different rise/drop conditions. See Specify Rise Drop Symbols for a Piping System.

   • For Fluid Type and Fluid Temperature in pipe types, specify the setting in the Mechanical Settings dialog.