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.
  5. 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 and pipe system types, select All, Flow Only, None, or Performance and click OK.
    • All: all system-level calculations are computed (flow, pressure drop, and and volume.)
    • Flow Only: the flow and volume are computed.
    • None: only volume is computed. Revit still maintains the logical sections in the duct system.
    • Performance: none of the above are 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 sizing tools are not available for systems where the Calculations parameter is set to Performance.
  4. 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.