Video: Rotate Family Geometry with an Angular Parameter

Use a reference line and an angular parameter to rotate geometry in a family.

This video demonstrates the following:

  1. Add a reference line and apply an angular parameter.
  2. Add an extrusion to the vertical plane of the reference line.
  3. Add an arc as a door swing that follows the reference line..
Note: This video was recorded using Revit 2020. When using a newer software release, you may notice differences in functionality and user interface.

Transcript

Reference lines and angular parameters used in a family allow you to define rotation positions for family types. Use angular parameters to rotate family geometry . For best results, use a reference line when applying an angular parameter. A reference line is used in this situation because it has endpoints that can be constrained to provide a rotation point like a hinge, unlike a reference plane which is infinite.

In this example we want to open and close the door panel geometry with an angular parameter. Select the door and click Edit Family. In the Family Editor, remove the geometry representing the door panel. We are going to add new geometry that will be rotated with an angular parameter.

First, add a reference line, snapping the endpoint to the opening edge. Click the lock to constrain the endpoint of the reference line to the opening edge.

On the Annotation tab of the ribbon, click Angular and place an angular dimension from the reference line to the wall face. Select the angular dimension and on the contextual tab, click Create Parameter to label the angular dimension and apply a parameter. Use the Family Types dialog to flex the family to make sure the angular parameter is working as expected.

Use a 3D view to add geometry to the vertical plane of the reference line. On the Create tab, click Extrusion. Before sketching the extrusion shape for the door panel, set the workplane . Click Set. In the dialog, select Pick a Plane and click OK. Move the cursor near the reference line, press Tab and click to select the vertical plane of the reference line. Click Show if you want to verify the correct plane is selected.

Add dimensions to the sketch and label them. You will use these dimensions to control the door panel size. The extrusion end is labeled to match the door thickness. Click Finish to complete the extrusion.

Finish by adding a symbolic arc in the plan view to represent the door swing in plan. On the Annotate tab, click Symbolic Line and choose Center Arc. Click the lock icon to constrain the arc endpoint to the reference line. Click the dimension icon to make the radius dimension permanent, and on the contextual tab, label the radius with the door width parameter.

Use the Family Types dialog to flex the family again and verify the geometry works as expected.

When you need family geometry to rotate, use reference lines and angular parameters.